Life Is Indeed A Roller Coaster!

"The obscure we see eventually.  The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer".

- Edward R. Murrow

 

 

Good Day EWI!

 

I am writing this while CNN is on in the kitchen and I can hear them talking about this horrific act of terror that has just been committed in Connecticut today.  I am at a complete and utter loss over this barbaric, senseless act that has robbed families of their most cherished possession; their children.  May God wrap his loving arms around them all.  We ALL lost today though.  How do you send your children to school now with any sense of security?  School is where they are supposed to be nurtured and kept safe each and every day until they can come home to loved ones.  How do you go to a mall without looking over your shoulder now given last week's rampage in Oregon?

 

My blog was going to be about overlooking the obvious in so far as giving is concerned, but really now, I want to talk about gun control.  I won't, but I want to.  Again, maybe something so obvious that we cannot see the simple solution?

 

Back on track....this week I had the great pleasure of attending our Chapter's Christmas celebration.  A great evening wherein we select a charity for the night to fund raise for.  This is accomplished by us bringing direct donations, but also by shopping at a number of vendor tables.  The vendors kindly donate 10% of their gross sales back to the charity.  The charity was once again "No Crib for a Bed", which focuses on supplying families in need with items for infants; diapers, formula, etc.  This year however, the charity asked us specifically to all bring can openers.  Can openers?  Yes, as most of these families just coming off the streets or fleeing abusive domestic situations are reliant upon food hampers, most of which contain canned goods.  Pretty obvious isn't it...but who of us has thought to include that in any donations we make?  Kudos to EWI of Calgary as they raised over $2200.00 for this worthy cause, as a best guess after an early tally.  Could be even higher!

 

Our December meeting is also where we present the "big" cheque to our Charity of Choice for the year.  The Chapter presented the Highbanks Society with a cheque for $35K, plus another $5K for a Reading Nook at the home they run for their residents (young mothers who are continuing their education and their children).  Funds were raised throughout the year, but primarily from our two signature events, the Hot Heels Fashion Show and our Charity Connect Classic Golf Tournament.  If that was not enough though, they also gave our scholarship recipient an additional $500.00 for additional year end expenses.  WOW - what a night!  I am so proud of what EWI accomplishes in our communities!

 

Sadly, I came away from that high of Wednesday night, to the sad news Thursday morning that EWI of Orlando is handing in their charter.  Again, I find myself having to thank the member firms and their representatives for all of their dedication and passion to EWI over the years.  We WILL miss you!  Hopefully, some members may continue on as Members At Large.  We hope so!

 

So, what did Thursday afternoon bring?  Great news in that our legal proceedings against our former Executive Director are progressing as expected!  Then, news that we might have another potential Chapter in Canada within the next year.  That was topped off with a great conversation with our beloved Lori G. who has agreed to create a new Academy of Leadership module for Spring Conference in Chattanooga, April 19 & 20, 2013.  I also had the privilege of watching EWI of Detroit-Windsor's great video highlighting their day at Banbury School.  They used wonderful, cutting edge technology that I immediately researched and forwarded to the 75th Committee and to our office staff for their consideration.  So, again, all in all, I ended the day on a high.

 

If  we could have a guarantee that each day would end on a high, who would not face the challenges we have with glee?  I think that it is something we can each do for ourselves though if we just promise to stop and find the bright light of our day - because there usually is one.  Definitely need one after today's events.

 

If you have little ones, grab them close and love them hard this weekend.

 

- K