Transitions

One more week of full time employment with CISNC. On Feb 1, I move to part time consultant and will start my own independent consulting firm. I will be offering primarily coaching and advising to non profit and education leaders, public speaking and some advocacy work. I hope that I can do a little teaching along the way too.

I am excited about my new venture. I will remain as a Senior Advisor to the CISNC team to ensure a smooth transition and help our outstanding new director get firmly established. It has always been said that one should leave when you are at the top...certainly I feel that I have reached the top of the mountain. This past year has been a bit challenging with Scott's medical issues but we have the best outcome report we ever had, raised the most money and have and incredible staff in place to help Eric take CIS to the next level.

No more guns

As the nation continues to grieve the loss of young lives we as a nation need to commit to make the needed changes to our gun laws that prevent future incidents.  Gun control is not elimination of guns but rather being more thoughtful and strategic about what kind of guns are allowed to be bought and sold and who can buy them.  

There is absolutely no reason for any assault weapons to be allowed in the hands of the average citizen.  NO REASON!   For those that feel the need to carry a concealed weapon upon proper registration, background checks and a three day waiting period then go for it.   Not sure why anyone would need a concealed weapon but that is personal.

As a history major it is very clear to me that the amendment was never written to allow the citizens to have assault weapons that would allow random acts of violence to be perpetrated among our citizens. The amendment was passed to keep a foreign power from seizing property of landowners and to protect the people from foreign invasion.


Enough is enough!!!!

Is it time????

It has been forever since I blogged...I actually forget about it....but summer is here and the living is easy.....love the summer. Cool winds, white sandy beach, time to read and relax, play on my computer and enjoy the good life. Really thinking seriously about retiring and spending more time just having fun...no stress...enjoy the grandkids and love just being free to do what I want. I love my work or I should say our mission but think age is catching up. I know I will miss the hectic life but also think it will be great to lay back some...wish I coud take a few years off and try it and then go back if I am bored but life does not work that way.

Oh well...more time to think...no instant decisions....a process of thinking future forward

Just found out today that my baby boy got engaged...now understand that he is 31 but in my heart it just seems like yesterday he was in to skateboards, baseball and junior golf. He was such a fun kid. He had such a great personality and his smile would melt the heart of even the most hardened teacher (which he often had to use) He was not into school but loved to learn. His middle name as a little boy was 'WHY?" You could answer and then he would ask why then another why. He graduated from high school (not sure he ever finished a book) but did quite well and played golf so well he won a golf scholarship to Va Tech. After a couple of years felt it was too cold and he really wanted to go to Carolina (much to my dismay since I was teaching at NC State) but it was the right decision for him and while I think he majored in golf, he did manage to get a degree in Economics. He move to Charleston, then Charlotte and now lives in New York. I had hoped he would come home before he met that special someone but God had other plans and has blessed him with a beautiful young lady who I believe really is his soul-mate. Call it Mom's intuition or instinct but I knew when I met her she was the one...he had described the kind of girl he wanted and Ginni certainly was the picture.

I am so proud of him....not sad that I will be giving him away to another woman but know that with Ginni I will always have my son. A mothers love just grows and embraces all those who love her children. I love my son-in-law like my own so know that Ginni will be another daughter.

Loss if a Leader

There have been so many beautiful tributes to Senator Kennedy that one more would seem trite but when you have spent your adult life watching the Kennedy family it feels very personal when one of them passes away. Teddy use to be my least favorite of all. I really, really liked John and when he won the election (I was in the 7th grade) I remember deciding that I wanted to be in politics. I choose not to do so but did stay in public service arena giving my entire professional career to heping those less fortunate. After 40 years of doing this work I am still inspired by the messages of all of the Kennedy clan. Yes they were blessed with money but they could have easily done what a lot of peole do that have money...spend it on themselves and forget that the world is not all like them. The Kennedy's used their power and influence to help us all remember that those who are less fortunate need our help. As they rejouice in heaven, let us pray their legacy lives on.

Old and young

Emma, my first grandchild called last night ..twice! The first time was to tell me she was going to lose her first tooth and the second time to call to tell me she lost it! She was so excited! Seems funny since my husband (who just turned 61) was almost in tears when he told me had lost another tooth! Funny how things change over time! When you are little you can't wait to get old and lose your teeth when you are old all you can talk about is how you wish you were younger and your teeth did not fall out.

The sands of time. Notice how they seem to drop faster the older you get?

We had an awesome Education Ball...it was the best ever. We had a complete sell out thanks to so many people who helped to sell tickets and get folks involved...we already have folks volunteering for next year to dance!! The sponsors were very happy ....a grest thing to have and they all said they were coming back next year! Watch our website for lots of new footage and picture next week. Amazing week!!!