Keep calm, keep going, keep runnin'

Caught the bus this morning and chatted with a neighbor the whole ride into the office. I love taking the bus. I get to knit or read or meditate. I don’t need to worry about the traffic or the snowy roads. And sometimes, like today, I get to talk to folks who I see around our condo but don’t have the opportunity to really talk to. I come into the office feeling sure that the world is a pretty good place, after all.

Of course, actually GETTING on the bus is another matter. This morning I remarked to my neighbor as I arrived at the bus stop (out of breath, as usual) that I have no idea how long it takes me to walk to the bus stop, because I have never been in a position to try it. The only way I even know HOW to get to the bus stop is through a full on sprint, while jacking up my pant legs and holding on to my bag for dear life, willing the contents of my overstuffed messenger bag not to spill all over the parking lot. This could all be remedied by me leaving five minutes earlier in the morning. But I guess I love the excitement of chasing the bus down and banging on the windows as it rolls past me.

When I was in high school, my mom and I would ride together, as she taught and still teaches at the high school. I was always the hold up, and would often race out of the house and leap into the car just before she pulled out of the driveway in exasperation. Once she actually left me, getting all the way down the street and to the stop sign before seeing me in the rearview mirror, sprinting down the middle of the road, frantically waving my arms and yelling. She took pity on me and paused long enough for me to fling myself into the passenger seat and heave a huge teenaged sigh.

Well, Mom, I know you were trying to teach me a lesson. And I have learned it.

Never rely on a mode of transportation that I can’t chase down. And much like Forrest Gump, I just kept running…

Today ends my first week as Executive Director. Got a meeting with our Executive Committee today and then someone is coming in this afternoon to check out our office space. One way to stabilize the organization is to increase revenue. The other is to bring down expenses. We are trying to sublet all but two of the offices in our suite. I hope it goes well.

My mantra for the coming year is “Keep calm, keep going.” I read it on a coffee mug somewhere and it seems appropriate. So, keep calm, keep going, and keep running. It keeps you in shape for when that uppity bus drive tries to leave on time.