Urgent and Humble assistance needed

That's what the email said...and, well, this person CLEARLY has no idea who I am. But, with Allah's holy will and power, I have been chosen to help Mrs. Hajar Azeez with her $5.5 million dollars.

It seems a shame, you know, with all she's been through: the loss of her beloved husband only four days after he became ill and now her cancer diagnosis and two months to live. ... Her speech so horribly affected that she directs me not to call for such an urgent matter (well, that and her husband's relatives who might find out about the money and use it in an unholy manner).

I nearly feel compelled to help Hajar (afterall, we should be on a first name basis if I'm going to donate all this money to the children's homes/orphanages/motherless homes as per her sincere will). But, since this email sat in my spam box (had I known it was coming, I most assuredly would have had her email on my non-spam list) and she says any delay in my reply will open the door for sourcing an organization or other devoted individual - well, to be honest, I feel like we're not as close as I had hoped. It's just such a young relationship - how does she already feel comfortable enough to give ultamatims?

Plus, I don't know where it could really go... beyond the fact there's less than two months to resolve this... I'm also feeling pressured by her last statement: "Until I hear from you by email; my dreams will rest squarely on your shoulders."

I mean, honestly, how can I be responsible for all your dreams when I can't even talk to you?!?

That's it. I'm not helping. $5.5 million or no. I can't take the pressure of this short-term relationship. However, if you'd like to help Hajar, you can reach her at the email she provided me. Just give me a call.

LUCKY

There are very few people who know the real me. Whether that's because I'm a "Gemini" or because I'm sincerely too cautious with my heart - who knows. But, what I DO know is this:

I love my dear friends. I've shared a lot with them and would do just about anything for them. I consider them family and they know it - friends that I can't consciously call only friends - there's no term fitting for them. We met because we were meant to play a role in each other's lives. I will always be with them.

I am fortunate. I don't have a lot of money. I don't have a glamorous life. I do have my friends, my health, a smile and great music.

I am Lucky. There's no logical reason for how or why, but I've been blessed. Blessed with opportunity, connection and heart. I have something most people would give anything to have. And, that makes me the luckiest person alive.

Regroup

Six years ago, I asked a couple of my cohorts at work to join me for grass roots networking and camaraderie. They are all fantastic women, working in a very male dominated environment. I had worked with each of them in some form or fashion, though, because I've had a few different roles in the company, many did not know each other.

I chose them carefully - not to ensure they all got along (though, I knew they would) - but because the dynamic of a group like this is vital to its survival. So, the criteria:

- Intelligent
- Strong
- Funny (or, at least, able to recognize and appreciate humor)
- Company-minded
- Compassionate
- Trustworthy

As an introduction, I sent an email to them all... sharing a little about each one:

Lynn - scrappy, from North Carolina, was poised to become a California Highway Patrol when she lived in San Francisco, but they couldn't handle her (ask her how she got kicked out...). She joined us through Fritz.

Mary - a reluctant debutante, raised in New Orleans, can detail financial and marketing moves we've made through the years, but would much rather be discussing LSU sports and JazzFest.

Eileen - a retired Army Major (joined before she graduated from High School) from Idaho who can hit a target from over 1000 meters... and has the target paper in her office to prove it. She's one of 9 kids (8 of whom joined the Army like their parents). Don't mess with her IT systems.

Brace - Atlanta native - vivacious, stylish, crazy and the best person for the job when customer entertaining is involved. In a word, Personality.

Gloria - Hailing from Detroit, Shopping and her Jack Russell are her hobbies. IT management is her role. She looks unassuming, but beware of any woman who can kick box and keep impeccable nails. (ask her about the door slamming incident...Priceless)

Nora - From Illinois...She's in Ocean Freight Marketing and getting her MBA. Quite possibly the funniest person I know.

Jill - She has an IE mind and works with customers. Originally from South Carolina, she has bubbly personality for sure - she loves traveling and tennis. Wicked serve.

There were 14 total and the group was great. We gathered pretty regularly just to share our experiences with people who truly understand. With Marketing, IT, Finance, Real Estate and Solutions and an age range of low 30s to upper 50s... it was a great group. Over the years, a couple have left the company, others were moved to new locations, and the group stopped being able to meet as often. But, the relationships remain. We've had consulting lunches to discuss the best choices on handling 401k and stock, we've used connections not in place previously to resolve company items and a deeper partnership was formed.

It makes me proud to see the relationships started in this group continuing in other areas. So, now, some of the old group has moved back to my location and a few replacements have been found. I'm starting it up again. I believe in these women and the power of relationships in large organizations. It doesn't hurt that they are also fantastic people.

It's in the air

It was a gorgeous afternoon...78 degrees, sunny, almost cloudless sky and a light breeze. And, not because of the weather, though it always makes it nicer, I went driving - windows down, music up - to explore the roads north of my home and clear my head.

There's something about blasting Aerosmith, John Denver, Jim Croce, Gladys Knight and others while winding through the hills. I found a trail riding location (noted for a future date), a great road for the day I finally get my bike (just beyond the end of 400) and a strong, yet strange showing of early Halloween fervor.




I can't say Halloween is a favorite holiday. But, I appreciate a well-decorated yard as much as anyone else. The key there is: well-decorated. I drove past this yard three times... What I can't easily show in this picture is the magnitude of the Halloween crap wasteland. Ironically, you CAN see one wooden skeleton sitting on a toilet with a REAL roll of toilet paper attached.

But I digress, the ride was to clear my head. To get some fresh air and perspective. What I found is my head is clear...my heart is almost full...and I have a million things I'd love to share with the One - even the hideous yard decorations of an overzealous Halloweener.

Mind over matter?

I used to believe you could shut down all emotion and just deal with the facts. And, I guess for the last 20+ years, I've done that. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter, now, is that my emotions are much stronger. I don't have the luxury of shutting them down and dealing in only shades of black and white.

Recently, all my emotions have been upturned - the ground of me has been tilled. I didn't know I could ever find myself in this upheaval.

Frankly, I'm not at all sure what to do with it.

Mulligan

"Do Over!" We used to yell that as kids on the playground when something got messed up or was no longer going the way we hoped.

If I could do it over, I'd enjoy more of my teen years. Really get to know the Edie of 14-20... and, maybe study a little harder.

If I could do it over, I'd spend more time with my nieces as they were growing up...man, they grew up WAY too fast.

If I could do it over, I would keep that house in Suwanee...it would almost be paid off by now.

Even with this list, there are not many things I want to repeat - but there are times when I wish I could change what I said, how I reacted or just the events that followed.

Now is one of those times.

Reunion

It's been 20 years since highschool...a little shocking really and, I know - predictable. But as I have been preparing for our gathering, I've been thinking about all that happened while we were there and all that has happened since. We walked in very young- directly from elementary school and only 8 years out of pre-school. We learned a lot in our classes and more than we should have from our elders.

I think of the questions that will be asked and the answers I'll be prepared to give...

I was. I am. I don't. And, I Wouldn't change a thing.


I was... Stuff happens and I'm better for it.
I am... And proud of it
I don't, but yours are lovely...
And, just like the end of our time in school, I wouldn't change a thing.