On The Road Again

Fall Recruitment officially begins for me tomorrow at approximately 6:39 p.m. as I board an airplane headed for Pittsburgh, PA. Let me tell you, there is a whilrwind of emotion running through my mind consisting of both excitement and anxiety. It's hard to explain how something can be so invigorating and exciting and yet on the opposite end of the spectrum, it's so overwhelming and exhausting -- that generally sums up the emotions of a recruiter.

Recruiting.... yep, that's what I do during both the Fall and Spring terms. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with prospects, colleagues and, yes, even get out of the office for a few days. However, I'm not sure some can grasp the amount of work that can go into a two, three, four or five day recruitment trip. First and foremost, it's finding the recruitment events and registering for them -- reserving a space and paying the fees. I then must purchase an airline ticket, reserve a rental car and hotel room(s), and then sit down to map out my great adventure. I arrive at my recruitment destination with so many bags that it almost seems inconceivable. I'm typically wearing a suit, heels and it's always necessary to splash on a bit of confidence. I enter the room practically demanding attention (insecurity gets you nowhere), and after setting up my booth -- well it's lots of smiles and friendly conversation. It is utterly invigorating, and yet frightfully exhausting. BUT, oh what a feeling!

I love my job and I'm truly blessed to have one with such diversity. So, tomorrow begins yet another chapter of recruitment for myself. I can assure you that there will be highs and lows, good times and bad. Regardless, the roads I travel will lead to new adventures within this world, that I often see as a classroom, in which I am making new friends and learning invaluable lessons.

"We may run, walk, stumble, drive or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way." -- Unknown

It only takes...

It only takes
one smile
to offer welcome....
and blessed be the person
who will share it.

It only takes
one moment
to be helpful...
and blessed be the person
who will spare it.

It only takes
one joy

to lift a spirit...
and blessed be the person
who will give it.

It only takes
one life
to make a difference...
and blessed be the person
who will live it.

--Amanda Bradley

2005 Memory Walk

Today I decided that on Saturday, September 17th I'm going to do something I have never done before -- walk for a cause and raise money for people with Alzheimer's Disease. Yesterday I received an e-mail from a co-worker who is walking in the 2005 Memory Walk. Annette invited friends and family to make a donation or consider joining her team. While reading the e-mail, several thoughts ran through my mind -- what a fabulous idea, I love to walk, it's for a good cause, and I've recently had some people enter into my circle of friends who have relatives with Alzheimer's. Sooo, I checked my travel itinerary for the month of September and sure enough, I'm in town; therefore, I'm walking....

Upon registering, I set a small goal because I would hate not to hit it. However, within the first hour after registering I had already exceeded my goal due to the support of my family and friends. I am so very excited about this adventure. I am ashamed of the fact that I've never walked for a cause before, but there is no better time than the present.

Oh how the years go by... and we often seem to overlook the simple ways in which we can contribute to great things. I am determined to make a difference, are you? Please visit my donation page at: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=100230&supId=96102391.

School of Smiles

On my connecting flight today in Chicago/O'Hare airport, I sat at gate F11, patiently awaiting my boarding call. As I sat there 'people watching,' I saw this elderly man approaching me with a big smile on his face and a partially eaten grilled cheese sandwich in his hand. I politely smiled back as he asked, "Do you mind if I fight with you for awhile?" I started to laugh and replied, "Well, sure -- why not?" As he took a seat next to me, he proceeded to ask, "What should we fight about?" I continued to laugh as I told him, "Whatever is on your mind."

Bill, an 84 year old retired architect, happened to have a four hour lay over in Chicago and was simply looking for some company. Little did Bill know that he would become a bright spot in my day. What a pleasant conversation we had about where we were from, our families, occupations, health, travel, hearing aids and the list goes on. I must say that we laughed a lot during our time together, with a number of glares and stares being thrown our direction. Actually, the hearing aid conversation was hysterical. He told me to plug my ears and count to five out loud. Of course I hesitated, but how could I say no to this dear old man. So, there I sat in the gate area plugging my ears and counting out loud. After I concluded, he said, "Did you hear the echo?" I smiled and said, "Yeah." Bill then proceeded to explain, "That's what it's like wearing these things -- and sometimes the problem is people just talk too fast. $1500 for these." I remember just sitting there and staring at this precious man and thinking "Bless your heart." Actually, I'm almost certain that I even said it a couple of times. He was such pleasant company.

Knowing that I would be boarding shortly, Bill said, "Ya know -- I look for the smiles. I like people who have graduated from the School of Smiles. You smiled back at me.... You see, that's when I ask a question and the response tells a lot about the person. If someone doesn't want to talk to me, that's okay." I told him that I couldn't agree more.

I'm glad Bill picked me out of that crowded gate area to chat with. I felt as though I was sitting with my grandfather catching up on life. Both of my grandfathers passed away when I was very young, so I never really knew them -- which allowed me to have a greater appreciation for this moment with Bill.

I can't help but reflect upon one of my favorite quotes: We do not remember days, we remember moments. -Cesare Pavese. I may not remember Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005 but I will always remember the pleasant conversation I had with Bill at gate F11.