Humble Runner

October, 2009

I turned 40 over a year ago. The year I turned 40, I got married. Shortly after the marriage began, I landed an awesome job that required me to travel Monday thru Thursday/Friday nearly every week. LOTS of changes in a short amount of time, for sure.

However, in my head, I was still the former Division One collegiate athlete with 22 years of competitive triathlon experience. I'd been training and working out for something....for as long as I could remember.

When the body turned 40, the dis-connect with my brain began. My mind refused to recognize the extra flesh the body was welcoming. My mind seemed to overlook the lazy days on the sofa that took the place of 100 mile bike rides. Saturday morning snuggling with my amazing husband replaced the bike/run 'bricks' that were standard for years.

They say marriage is a lot of give and take.....I just never realized how quickly the 'new- life- replacing -old- life' - mutation would take place.

Although, having a Southern Gentleman for a husband has a pretty large up-side. Having him say, "you look beautiful," first thing in the morning makes me blush. Especially when I finally roll out of bed, shuffle to the full length mirror....only to see my hair disheveled and my pj's crumpled. The Southern Gentleman is clearly blinded by love...

I am a lucky girl, for sure.

After one year of marriage, another year further from 40 and a steady work/travel routine....I decided it was time to get my competitive 'edge' back. Unfortunately, I had to make a severe 'tweak' to the long hours of training. Biking was going to have to take a back seat. Swimming was sunk. During my work-week-travel...the easiest form of 'fitness' to fit into the schedule....was going to be my LEAST favorite method of training madness.

UGH - I was going to have to RUN more.

It's much easier and exceedingly less expensive to toss the Asics into the carry-on bag than it is to pack up the Trek Tri-bike. Yep, that settled it, I was going to have to make time to RUN.

At 6ft tall and (mumble, mumble....) pounds - I am NOT built for speed. I have stamina. I have personal fortitude...but, a small-boned-body-built-to-run - I DO NOT!



In college - I ran the basketball court like a gazelle. While winning medals in Triathlon, I did it primarily because of my biking ability....not because I was a speed demon on foot. My Triathlon strategy has always been to swim hard, bike harder...gain a substantial lead ....run a 10 min. mile.....and hang on for dear life.



Now, my new plan had nothing but ME, MY SHOES and the OPEN ROAD ahead of me. I was certainly out of my comfort zone. No doubt about it.


As 2009 began, I coordinated this seasons Racing Schedule. I scheduled several 5K races. Over the years, I had become a long distance snob. I rode 100 miles, I ran 1/2 marathons....I hadn't run a mere 3.1 miles since my 20s. Ah, how the mighty had fallen.

Yep, it was humbling.

MARCH - I registered for the Elizabeth 8k. I'd done that race the year before. In 2008, I'd done the run 2 months before my wedding. I was motivated to move so that I could fit into the DRESS. This year, my goal was to find a way not to have my lungs explode for fear that the 'crazed runners' would leap over my cold corpse - on their way to a Record-time!

Amazingly, I actually shaved a few seconds off my time this year and crossed the finish line - Lungs in tact. Success!

Historically, the summer months - are the prime racing months. This year, my crazy travel schedule for work - took all my stamina and strength of spirit. Being responsible for 24 Dementia 'neighborhoods' that span the country from Texas to Maryland - WAS MY WORKOUT!

As summer began to fade, I found a way to rebound - and decided to get back on the training-track. I registered for a HALF MARATHON. By August, I was feeling the 'lack-of-training-blues' and decided I needed a longer-distance goal....to get my training 'edge' back.

So, I set my sights on the THUNDER ROAD HALF MARATHON - December 12. Which gave me 5 months to get into 'road-ready' shape. I know I won't cross the Finish Line first - but, I am determined to keep a steady pace and try and finish in under 2 1/2 hours.

I've completed many HALF MARATHONS during my racing career. Some, as part of 1/2 Ironman Triathlons and some - as stand-alone races. In 2003, I competed in my first Half Ironman and I walked considerably in that 13.1 mile run. The following year, in 2004 I did the same Half Ironman again, shaved off 35 mins. from my overall time - didn't walk at all during the 13.1 mile run and I qualified for the National Half Ironman Championships (where I finished 4th). Using history as a guide, I am completely capable of attaining even my running goals. Could History repeat itself in 2009?

SEPTEMBER - 7th, I competed in a Labor Day 5K. I'm pretty comfortable with my 10 min. mile pace. When I'm biking - I'm able to dig deep and find the courage to cruise past as many folks as possible. When I'm running, I do my best to just hang on. However, because the competitive drive flows freely through my core - I find various ways throughout a running race for 'mini victories'. Little accomplishments that somehow help me to focus on the achievement as opposed to focusing on the burning sensation in my lower extremities.

Like, in the Labor Day race - when the 'old gray guy in the headband' jogs past me in the first 1/2 mile. I found my 'zone' and found the energy to pass him as he slowed up for water in mile 2. HA! mini-victory for me!

However, as I mentally high-fived myself for passing the 'old gray guy' I felt the youthful surge of energy as two young boys wearing high-top basketball shoes sailed past me like I was standing still. "Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME?" my brain screamed. "What the hell?" It was like these two kids were jogging home from a youth-basketball game...and they happened to wander onto the 5K race path. I was instantly demoralized. I felt like I had lead pipes for legs and was missing my left lung.

As Billy Joel crooned me along from my iPod, I was mentally kicking-my-own ass for not having the stamina to run faster then boys under the age of 10. I wanted to run faster and pass them however, I had over a mile left and if I allowed 'road-rage' to take over now....the EMS team would be peeling my cold corpse from the pavement on Labor Day. So, I focused on keeping my slow steady pace....and came to terms with the embarrassment of the whole situation.

I kept the young bucks in sight. For the next half mile they served as a reminder - that I was well-past my racing prime. Or, so I thought. After they had another surge of speed....I noticed that not only did they slow down significantly...the one on the right actually stopped and began walking. A few steps later...the one on the left stopped too! Both 'High-tops' were walking! Surely, I could pass them now!

Yep, it took about 40 feet, but I caught up with the devilish duo - and I sailed past them. As I wiped my brow, I spied the 3 mile marker. Sweet Sunshine - I was almost done! I crossed the Finish Line with lungs in tact and pride restored.

Five Days later on the 12th -I participated in the HOG JOG 5K. Besides having a cool name and being the signature race during the BBQ-cook-off weekend extravaganza, this race also included a BLOODY MARY tasting at the Finish Line.

Holy Crap - running through the haze of cooking BBQ to the Free Bloody Mary's at the end - this is RACING NIRVANA!

This run was considerably more hilly than the race five days earlier had been. My legs were on fire within the first 200 yards. Oh, not a good sign. Having the 'Crazy-Man-in-the-cape- and-HOG nose' pass me at the mile 1 marker was clearly humbling. But, I found a way to carry-on and actually completed this race 2 seconds faster than the previous race. Hmmm, not bad. Mini-success.

OCTOBER - Halloween Day, it was the Runway 5k. On a misty-morning, we all gathered on the Runway at the Charlotte International Airport. What a cool concept for a race. Amidst old relic flying machines and kids in costume - the race began. My strategy remained constant - slow and steady. The goal was to finish this 5K faster than I had the previous two while alleviating any cold-corpse scenarios.

I spent the first 1/2 mile jockeying for position. Trying to find the road-space to get into my own rhythm. With the iPod on high, I scanned the crowd in front of me, looking for that person - that could be my motivator. That person, I could keep pace with while biding my time in hopes of passing them. There she was, the 20-something with the purple T-shirt. My goal was to keep 'Purple T-shirt' in my direct line of vision until I was able to make a move.

As we closed out mile 1, an airplane took off from a neighboring runway. Through the music in my headphones, I could barely hear the planes noise.... However, the teenage girl off to my left went into near convulsions as she plugged her ears trying to squash the sound. "Ah, poor girl," I thought...."those young ears are still disturbed by loud noise." Years of working in radio with headsets covering my ears, had long since damaged my eardrums...and as she struggled with the sound - I sailed past her.

Hey, at this stage of racing - I relish ANY reason to pass a fellow competitor, regardless of their age or potential disabilities!

The tall guy moved past me in mile 2. 'Stretch' had a slow steady pace too, however because his legs were nearly 5 feet tall - his stride was his strength. I wondered if the Charlotte Bobcats had cut him recently...."does anyone even watch the NBA anymore?"......My mind was beginning to wander.

I snapped back into focus and found 'Purple T-shirt' just as she slowed up to grab the cup of water from the roadside volunteer. I kept moving...while 'Purple T-shirt' faded behind.

'Short-Shorts' casually jogged past me in full conversation with her gal-pal. Wow, those shorts were short. I quickly assessed her to be about my age and was curious if she'd recently purchased those shorts or were those a carry-over from her former youthful days. While I pondered that, I had a near miss with an aggressive woman pushing a BABY JOGGER. Ugh - I detest those freaking contraptions. It's not that I'm against them, in general - I just think they are totally unsafe when you have a couple thousand folks running in close proximity to one another. Baby Joggers should have races of their own!

She had clipped my left heel and in that moment, I found the fortitude from within to pick up the pace. Although she flew past me without a second glance....Her 'roll-by-assault' motivated me to finish strong. As I passed the mile 3 sign, my right hand was feverishly forwarding the tunes on my iPod shuffle, looking for the SONG to bring me to the Finish Line. Sting - no. Billy Joel - no. Barenaked Ladies - no. Ah, there it was - OLD SCHOOL MADONNA.

With Madonna's motivation, I pumped my arms and passed a wheezing woman on my way to the End. I finished this 5K in over 20 seconds faster than the previous races. Success!

That I didn't body slam 'Baby Jogger' when I saw her standing in line at the Porta-potty as I strolled to my car....Bigger Success!

Less than two months until the Half Marathon. This humble runner is making strides while passing the competition and dodging baby joggers!

Joe & Helen

June, 2009


My life is filled with travel size things. Travel size shampoo, lotion and perfume bottles. Everything is small-sized. I've learned how to roll my clothes to avoid wrinkles while I tuck them into my increasingly worn red roller bag. I'm nearly on a first name basis with TSA agents and flight crews around the country.

My road family is ever expanding. I witness thousands of small acts of kindness during the week - as I navigate around the country at the mercy of the 'Travel gods'.

The starched business guy in Atlanta who helped several co-passengers stow their bags in the overhead compartment. The Hertz bus driver in Houston who assured me I wouldn't miss my flight. (although she was sweet - she was WRONG!)

The Three US Airways ticket agents in Houston - who tried desperately to find a way to get me on that flight as I stood in front of them with crocodile tears rolling down my cheeks. Those tears, the result of me being a weary travelling worker who logged a full 22 1/2 hour day - by the time I got home at 1:00am.

Those three ticket agents gave it the old college try and although, I still didn't make the flight and had to switch airlines, it was their compassion and suggestions that eased the unfortunate situation....just a bit.

Yes, my travel family is growing. Each week brings a new adventure in patience and fortitude...because - much like your own genetic FAMILY - you can't pick your Travel Family either. So, you just have to learn how to cope.

Although the travel is a butt-kicker....the work that I do, is rewarding and fulfilling. I continue to be an advocate for Seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. I support 24 communities and I'm on a mission to train, educate and model good care-behavior to all the staff that work with that compromised population. Those Seniors don't have their voice anymore - and...luckily for them - I have a BIG VOICE.

My silent vow to those Seniors- is that they will get good care!

Recently, I was in New Jersey visiting one of the communities. Their Director was smart, savvy and full of energy. The 'Vibe' in their Dementia area - was calm, soothing and welcoming. YEA! The Residents that lived there had diverse New Jersey backgrounds.

This location had several veterans, former school teachers and a former Highway Patrolman. He survived an entire career patrolling the roads of New Jersey and now here he was, still regal and stoic and living with Alzheimer's disease. The cruelty of the disease, often takes my breath away - and I've been doing this work for over ten years. Unfortunately, it never gets easier.

On this Jersey visit, as I stood in the main living room chatting with Roxanne, the Director of Dementia, we were approached by a gentleman. His smile was quick and his handshake was strong. Roxanne introduced me to JOE and quickly mentioned that the flame red Jaguar in the parking lot belonged to him.

It was at this moment that I had but a mere second to come up with a snappy comeback.

You see, in the Wonderful-World of Alzheimer's - you truly never know where the real truth lies and the 'fuzzy-memories and confusion' begins. So, as a trained professional- I've become a PRO at just - 'being in the moment' with anyone I meet within the secured walls of a Dementia unit. Some days a wrinkled- faced -senior will stand in front of me and they are convinced that they are 20 years old and I am a distant relative who has come to visit.

And, that's okay - I 'roll-with-it'. If that's who they think I am - I do my best to just 'be-in-the-moment' with them. The theory is, to minimize the anxiety and fear that goes along with losing your memory, it's best to let the person with the impairment be who they THINK they are and let them be where they THINK they are.

So, here I stood shaking hands with JOE and being told that his red Jag was in the parking lot. I smiled and said, "Gosh, don't we ALL wish we had a red Jaguar." Roxanne piped up quickly, "No seriously, Joe has a red Jaguar, he goes out every morning for the paper and coffee."

Wow, either this was the most LIBERAL secured Dementia Unit on the East Coast or....there was another explanation.

Roxanne shared the details with me. JOE'S wife HELEN had Alzheimer's and instead of leaving her alone in this particular Dementia area, JOE had decided to move in with HELEN. "We've been married over 55 years," JOE remarked. "I'm not about to let her go now."

The lump in my throat was overpowering.

It was then, that I met HELEN. A pint-sized, lovely lady with an impish grin and amazingly bright blue eyes. Her well maintained hair was thick and white. She was a bundle of energy and a bundle of words. She was drawn to me immediately. And I realized in a split second why it would be hard to be apart from her.

First, she complimented me on my blouse. "I just love what you are wearing," she cooed. "It's a lovely color on you." I loved HELEN instantly!

She and JOE stood close to each other and spoke over one another as they both brought me 'up-to-date' on their marriage and life journey. I learned that they'd never had children, that JOE worked for the Post Master General and that their wedding ceremony was at a Roman Catholic Church near the Jersey Shore.

I Loved them BOTH!

It was time for lunch. JOE took HELEN by the hand and guided her to their appointed table. He helped her order her meal and kept the table laughing with various quips and witty comments. I was in awe of his commitment to stand by his wife through this un-holy part of their life journey.

After lunch, for some reason, still unknown to me - HELEN was drawn right back to me. She complimented me on my blouse again. And stood close as she shared with me, in great detail, a story about the children that her nephew and his wife had adopted. She was animated as she explained about the children and the various countries that they were from. I was mesmerized by her story.

JOE stood nearby, with a loving smile on his face, he nodded his head and was equally as absorbed in the story HELEN was telling. She continued givings exquisite details about the various countries the adopted children were from. "That's amazing," I said. "What countries are they from?" HELEN came up for air for a brief second as she pondered the answer.

I turned to JOE - He shook his head and muttered gently, for only MY ears to hear..."I have no idea what she's talking about."

I turned back to HELEN, who was unfazed and non-pulsed. She was back into story-telling mode....and didn't skip a beat. Again, I had to swallow hard as I tried to compose myself. JOE was so loving and so supportive - he was the MODEL spouse. Selfishly, I wanted to take him on the road with me - so that HE could help me train all the paid professionals who didn't always seem to 'GET IT' the way JOE clearly did.

My bond with JOE and HELEN only deepened as they invited me into the room that they shared. I glanced around the tidy space. One twin bed on the left side while the other twin bed was up against the window. There were cherished possessions and pictures properly placed about, playing witness to a life that was fully lived.

JOE and I sat on the bed, under the window while HELEN stood close by. She continued to speak quickly sharing super-clear details about their wedding day. JOE handed me the amazingly well-kept wedding album. We flipped through the pages and I gazed at the black and white photos of the happy, smiling and much younger version of the two seniors that were with me now.

They looked like movie stars! And, I told them so. "Oh, you can't imagine how good our photographer was," HELEN said. "JOE, what was his name again?"

I held their photo album in my hand and turned the pages gingerly as both JOE and HELEN shared stories and details about every picture. I was completely captivated.

20 minutes later, I stood to leave. HELEN thanked me for stopping by, "I know you have such a busy schedule," she commented. I looked at her...clearly she didn't know my schedule, she didn't even know what I did for a living - but, she continued to amaze me with her steady stream of clear, concise language that was surprisingly coherent sounding for someone with Alzheimer's disease.

I thanked them for the visit from the bottom of my heart. JOE turned his back for a moment and opened up a dresser drawer. "Here," he said, "please take this - you've been so kind to us, I want you to have it,"

"Yes, please, you must take it" HELEN chirped.

JOE handed over a blue fleece scarf, neatly folded, that still had the sales tag attached. "JOE, really....you don't have to give me anything," I said.

"Please, I insist. I know you are busy and you've been so kind"

"Would you like something to drink?" HELEN offered.

I reached for the scarf and clutched it to my chest. At that moment in time - it was the GREATEST GIFT anyone had ever bestowed upon me. I was near my breaking point. I'd swallowed lumps and tears all day - in an attempt to be the consummate professional. But, my eyes glazed over as I stood in their one room space filled with 55 years of treasures.

I thanked them for their kindness and their generosity. I hugged them both and promised to visit again, someday soon.

I handed the lovely blue fleece scarf to Roxanne as I prepared to leave. She tucked it into her desk drawer with the promise she'd put it back, where it belonged in JOES drawer. We both knew that by the time they discovered it - they wouldn't remember they'd passed it on to me.

As I drove to the airport to fly back home to the SOUTHERN GENT, the tears came quietly. I could only hope and pray that the GENT and I would be half the people that JOE and HELEN were. Their love and JOE'S devotion was something that half the human race is chasing. And something that even Hollywood can't completely capture on film.

Later that night, as we sat on our sofa - I shared my story about JOE and HELEN with my wonderful SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN.

We both teared up and he reached for my hand.

We've got one year in the books, here's hoping for 54 more glorious years!

Long road Home

May, 2009

Recently, the Southern Gentleman and I took a trip to my home state of Wisconsin. This was to be his third visit to the Dairy State...and I was going back to the place where....it ALL began.

Dating all the way back to high school, I remember feeling like there was 'something else out there'. I felt constrained by the borders of Wisconsin. I'm not quite sure if I even knew what I was looking for...I just knew I felt restless and unsettled. And, I knew I needed to spread my wings. I had no clue where the final destination was - or how I'd even get there....but, I had to go searching.....

It was in college, when my dreams started to come into a clearer focus. I'd wanted to be a journalist for as long as I could remember. I'd been writing poems and short stories since I could hold a #2 pencil - and it only made sense to me - that I pursue a career in that business. So, I entered college planning on a career in print journalism. In my junior year... things changed.

A fellow classmate asked me to read the news on the campus radio station. Once the mic. light went on - and I began to speak....I was hooked. I changed my major to Radio Broadcasting the next day.

I've written many times before about my career journey and the twists and turns that have taken me in various directions for various reasons. When I reflect on my personal journey - I realize I've always had a love/hate relationship with my home state. Wisconsin represents missed opportunities, lost jobs and lost love to me.

However, in the last year I think I've finally found some personal peace. That peace is coming from a variety of sources. The addition of the Southern Gentleman to my life is probably a large part of my personal growth.

But, on many levels I still identify with my Sisters-in-Singlehood sorority. I may not qualify to be their leader & President anymore. Yet, I was single for 40 years and there are attitudes and tendencies that just don't vanish because I have a ring on my finger.

Thankfully, I married a man who honors my need to continue to spread my wings and fly. For that, I'm eternally grateful.

This trip back to Wisconsin was to be a bit different. It was the first time that I planned to re-connect with friends I hadn't seen since I left in 2006. I don't leave a large list of folks behind in Wisconsin that I call friend. I've never been able to figure that out. Considering I was born and raised there - one would assume that all my strongest friendships are rooted there. Unfortunately, that's not my reality.

I'm not the gal that has hundreds of high school and college friends that I keep in touch with. I'm the chick that has a handful of super-cool gal pals that I call friend.

Typically my gal-pals are women that have different stories and have travelled different paths to come into my life but who have similar traits in common. They are strong and empowered. They are driven and passionate. Those are the types of ladies I call friend. They are not victims. They are funny, bright and full of energy.

I made plans to connect with three of my Wisconsin based gal-pals. Friday we were hanging with my girl 'S' and Saturday we were hanging with 'D' & 'J'. Not only was it a time for me to re-connect with ladies I'd once been close to but it was an opportunity for them to meet the Southern Gentleman and to get to know the guy that had finally tamed me. Yikes!

It was soooooooooo great to see my girls and share stories from years gone by as well as catch up on their lives right now. I got to see pictures of kids that were mere babies just a minute ago...and we laughed as we ate, drank and reminisced about all the silly things from our past.

Don't worry - I didn't subject the Gent to a weekend of high-levels of Hormonal-Chick energy...there were MEN involved in these reunions. Friday night, there were two other guys in the mix. And, on Saturday 'J' brought her husband. There was a balance.

Each of these ladies represent moments of my past. Things became a bit more clear for the Southern Gentleman as he met the people who were in my world before he came along.

When the weekend was over, I was filled with a warmth I wasn't sure I recognized. It only took a moment to realize that the warmth I felt was actually a new sense of belonging and connection to Wisconsin. Thanks to my gal-pals.

'J' is the gal that took a big chance on me when I entered the world of Senior Health care. With virtually no experience, she took me under her wing and opened up a whole new professional path to me. For that, I will be forever grateful. She encouraged me to learn and allowed me to grow. That's an amazing gift, for sure.

'D' is the gal that's equally as quirky as me. We were two off-beat souls that found each other. Her passion for protecting the elderly is as strong as mine and her heart is as big as all outdoors. She was my 'wing girl' as we navigated, with varying levels of success, through the bar scene in search of....... whatever. Many a crazy night was spent with 'D'. Many a phone call was spent trying to unravel the mysteries of the opposite sex.

'S' is the gal that was right by my side after I lost my job. She's known me since my broadcasting days. She shares my passion for sports and is one of the funniest folks I've ever known. Her one liners and 'witti-cisms' always impress. She's open minded and always seems to be the calm in the storm.

Wisconsin has broken my heart many times over. Yes, there were missed opportunites, job loss and heart break. But, now I have found a new place in my heart for Wisconsin.

Now, I can acknowledge that Wisconsin will always be my original home. My parents and my siblings all live within a 30 mile radius of each other. Family will always connect me to my home state.

Wisconsin, is also the place that I nurtured my love of broadcasting and then, years later was the place that I shifted careers and given a chance to grow in a new industry. Wisconsin is the place where I developed a basketball career that spanned over 20 years and included a free college education. Wisconsin is the place where I embraced good, hard-working, midwestern values that still drive me to this day.

Wisconsin is the place where some of the greatest ladies I've ever met still reside. Yes, I'm finally at a place in my life where I choose not to turn my back on Wisconsin anymore. It may never be my primary zip code....but, it is the place where it ALL BEGAN.

Road Ramblings....

March, 2009

I've been on the new job 6 weeks. I hit the ground running....or should I say, FLYING.

In what felt like a 'nano-second'...I went from punching a clock and working 40 hours a week... to flying out on a Monday and returning home LATE on a Thursday (when I'm lucky) or Friday.

The new job is fantastic. Surreal actually. I typically pinch myself as I drive to the airport. I'm still in awe that someone is paying me for my knowledge and 'expertise' in the dementia care industry. I'm a Regional Director and am responsible for travelling to the various 24 special Dementia Care Units that our company has in the Central Division.

Or, as we call them - the Life Guidance Neighborhoods. I support the caregivers, directors and executive staff at the property to ensure that they are in compliance and providing quality care. I support them in a myriad of ways.

It is my responsibility to make sure those employees honor the commitment we've made to the families of the lovely folks who inhabit the Life Guidance neighborhood. All of those folks have Dementia - most have Alzheimer's disease. And, I have become their greatest Advocate.

I am in PROFESSIONAL NIRVANA.

The job is a super fit. I'm finally able to infuse all the components of what I love about the industry. I'm reaching a larger audience as I strive to educate, train and support caregivers throughout eight states. And, the best part is that when I'm in those neighborhoods.... I get amazing 'face' time with the actual residents themselves. I'm still able to hug, touch and speak to the folks who will benefit.

I'm still amongst MY PEOPLE. Now it's on a broader scale.

The downside of the job is that I'm gone 80% of the time.

Gone from the SOUTHERN GENT. Gone from the townhouse we share and gone from the supreme comfort of our brand new bed. Gone from home cooked meals and gone from the daily routine of a new marriage that I was just starting to get used to.

We just celebrated ten months of wedded bliss this week. It certainly has been a whirlwind of a year for both of us and this new transition just seems appropriate as we are getting quite adept at....ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES.

For those who know me best - you know I'm rarely at a loss for a comment. Especially when the comments are regarding the foibles and idiosyncrasies of fellow members of the human race that I encounter. (I welcome you to ready virtually EVERY other BLOG entry from the past couple of years)

This new job puts me right in the heart of the daily 'doings' of the human race. Well, at least the Travelling members of the human race.

UGH - Every week I careen through airport terminals, TSA Check-points, airport bathrooms and AIRPLANES themselves. Each stop-point along the journey...gives me enough 'material' to host a month-long behavioral tirade, for sure.

As a lifelong voyeur of the human condition I have spent my entire career (both of them) observing, reporting about or supporting and educating PEOPLE. So, with my new weekly travel schedule - I'm like a Societal Scientist who is living amongst their test-subjects!!

Its' Un-FREAKING believable.

Each airport and travel experience brings a new set of societal circumstances into my world. I'm beginning to embrace my FLYING FAMILY.

And, like traditional family units - you can't pick them. You can't pick your actual family members - you are BORN into the relationship. The FLYING FAMILY structure is similar....you can't pick them - you are simply FORCED to deal with them.

In my case;

• 
  
  The General Motors employee who sat next to me from Detroit to Charlotte and regaled the Genius of President Obama while detailing his General Motors salary structure and his Pro-Union viewpoint. (i neglected to tell him i'm an anti-union staunch conservative who drives a Honda)
• 
  The 30-something parents who held up the TSA check-point line in Dallas while they 'negotiated' with their screaming toddler trying to convince him to get out of his stroller on his own so they could put it on the conveyor belt. (i didn't tell them that i'm a supporter of the age-old parental system of NOT being a FRIEND to your kid)
• 
  The small business owner in the Cleveland airport who overheard something I said in a cell phone conversation and then spent the rest of our time together trying to get me to join her computer based pyramid/ponzy- scheme type business. (note to self: no more talking on the cell phone, while sitting directly next to someone who appeared NOT to be listening)
• 
  The tall blond 20-something that was squished between me and the other business traveller from Detroit to Charlotte who refused to take her 'Run-DMC-style' headsets off while feverishly sending text messages from her space-age communication device. She and the flight attendant nearly went to 'blows' over the 'Turn-off -all-electronic-devices' rule before take-off. (secretly I prayed for the scuffle to ensue which would've surely resulted in Blondie being kicked off the plane therefore leaving an empty seat for more elbow room)
• 
  The TWO adult females who didn't wash their hands after using the toilet in the Cleveland airport bathroom. (you KNOW who you are.....)

Yep, my FLYING FAMILY is everywhere. And, much like my own blood related relatives...I gladly will put up with them while simultaneously formulating super stories to share at cocktail parties!

That's my oath, as a Social Scientist - specializing in the Human Condition.

I'm HUMBLED.

March, 2009


I'm a non-conformist. I've always ventured onto the path less travelled. I've never been 'in the box' cuz I've spent my entire life living, working and playing - OUTSIDE the box, the lines, the rules.....whatever.

In sports - I was the underdog. The girl that had to spend countless additional hours in the gym. It was sweat equity that led to my success - not always natural ability.

Professionally - I've had to scrape, claw and chisel from the bottom of the ladder. In fact, I've done that in 2 careers - and multiple times, thanks to bumps and job loss along the way.

In love? - Well - let's be honest. I'm the back-of-the-pack gal. I waited 40 years for Mr. Right to arrive.


I lost my first job - back in the late 90's during the dot-com crisis. I lost my second job in 2006 - and felt like the lone-unemployed loser on the planet. While everyone was buying their Mc-Mansions, travelling around the world and having babies - I was cutting coupons, working for a temp agency and selling my condo - just to financially survive.

I landed back in health care and found myself back in familiar territory. At the Bottom of the professional ladder. Ugh - it's an exhausting place to be. It's especially exhausting - after you'd spent some healthy time - higher up the corporate ladder. For a period - I'd found a position at the mahogany table in the Board Room. I was involved and connected. I made a nice living and was carving a niche in the Senior Living industry.

But, in September of 2008, I was back at the bottom, looking up the skirts of the folks standing on my hands and shoulders of that damn corporate ladder. I felt blessed to be back in health care - however...was filled with angst and stress as I wondered how I could muster the strength, Yet Again - to claw my way back up to the top.

As the economy and the world around me became more crazy and more un-settled I actually found a way to just be satisfied with my job. The paycheck was small - but, heck - I was getting paid, while others were beginning to lose their jobs. Although, I knew I was capable of so much more - I found a way to wrap my brain around my professional status.

And then - the call came in.

I'd interviewed for a job back in November and had mentally dismissed it - when the conversations came to a halt over the Holidays.

I continued to punch the time clock on the freaking wall every day - and just mentally prepared to do that until the END OF TIME!

Then, one day as I walked between buildings at the job that had become my albatross - I checked my voice mail messages - and there it was. The voice of the recruiter. She was curious, if I may still be interested in the professional opportunity we'd discussed several months earlier.

I returned her call - and everything after that became a bit of a blur. I had a couple of more phone interviews with the major players followed by an excruciating on-line Personality Evaluation. The OFFER call came quickly after that and before I knew it - I was sitting in the office of the Director of HR at my albatross - handing in my letter of resignation.

Ah, I could actually see DAYLIGHT from my new professional position. No more bottom of the ladder!

However, this whole experience has given me new reasons to pause and be cautious. I found myself asking - "Why me? Why now?" At the most financially un-certain and un-settling time in the history of America - I was landing the best job - I'd ever had. Was this a joke?

Not only was I not going to punch a time clock anymore..... NOW - I had an entire REGION to cover. No more WALLS confining me - And, the expense account, salary and bonus opportunities were a nice added value as well.

But, why? How is this possible? And, I'm not kidding - these thoughts began creeping in - and began keeping me awake at night. Yes, I'd waited, prayed and held my breath, hoping to be in this exact position - however, now that it was here - I felt un-nerved, un-prepared and self conscious. What was happening to me?

I voiced these concerns over the phone to my number one fans - My Parents. Clearly, they've followed my life and career journey - the entire way. They'd held my hands and wiped my tears and cheered and supported every success and hiccup along the way. During our celebratory phone call - as I explained the details of this new opportunity...I paused and said the words,

"you know - I'm a bit uncomfortable. As half the free world seems to be losing their jobs, why am I getting such a great job?"

My dear father, didn't miss a beat. He consoled me by acknowledging my concerns and pointed out, in the way only a father could - "Well, Ellen you need to be humble. This is humbling, for sure. Count your blessings."

My eyes welled up with tears. He was right.

hum·ble

adj. hum·bler, hum·blest
1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.


My dear sweet Southern Gentleman was equally appropriate. One night, while we were in the kitchen making dinner, I paused and uttered the words, " What if this goes away? I've accepted awesome jobs before - that actually turned out too good to be true. I'd lost both those jobs - is it possible, that this time, the Third time is the charm? Or, what if I lose this job too?" my voice was filled with panic.

The Southern Gentleman turned to me, and in his soft voice complete with southern accent he said, " Well then - you'll find another job and we'll just go on like before...."

I smiled and my heart skipped a beat.
Yep, many reasons to be HUMBLE.