Take it Like a Champ

I never thought that I was a soft individual, but I'm realizing that I'm finally growing a spine. I can be stubborn about things I believe, but to vocalize them is another matter. Working in project management is not something I ever saw myself doing. I can't stand egotistical or arrogant people, and now I get to butt heads with them on a nearly daily basis. And finally, now after over a year, I have the spine to tell them to smarten up and don't try to pass the blame, just fix it or make the call or whatever, just do your job.

Alternately, I also get to rub shoulders with some of the best people in this field. I'm working with good people, and the company I work for actually has a conscious, trying to do the jobs as safely as possible, following and surpassing the legislation requirements. And, I can have my act-like-a-child moments without ridicule! Just this morning I threw a (small) eraser as a fellow project manager, just because, and he took it like a champ!

Warm Fuzzies for Everybody

Its days like today where I wish I could go back and change where my life went. With 5000 barrels of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico every day, I wonder what I can do to help. I wonder if I had changed my concentration at University, maybe I could be down there doing my part instead of sitting here hearing about it.

Then there is the flood in Nashville. Nick, my parents and I were watching CNN last night, and its unbelievable how fast devastation can set in. Many people lost friends, family or pets, or did not have flood insurance... where does that leave them now?

Additionally, what do you do to help the wife and mother of the two girls and their father who were killed when their vehicle was hit by a train? I could never imagine the grief she is going through- one stroke and her family is gone. I had a scare once. Nothing happened, it was just a scare. A fellow named Nick who worked for my brother was killed two years ago in a car accident, and through a miscommunication my dad briefly believed it was my Nick. Just the thought of it after the fact was enough to throw me mentally for the rest of the day. I was a mess, and nothing had happened to my Nick. Again, the grief that the young man's family and friends had to endure...

It comes down to be grateful for what you have, be conscious of those around you and count your blessings for knowing those people. Things happen so fast, its scary. I'm grateful to know all of you, no matter if I've only read your posts, trained with you once upon a time, known you for years or days or have never personally met you. Go home, pet your dog, kiss your loved ones and be fully conscious of what you have. Never take it for granted.