What, me worry?

Greetings and all my best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday and New Year!

It is hard to believe, but I have been president of the club for half my term. It has gone very fast and so it is a bit scary to think that the next six months may go by just as fast or faster. If you ask me in passing how I feel about this, I would probably joke that July, 2009 can't come soon enough.

But, the reality is that being president of our club is still a real high for me. It began that way six months ago as a brand new challenge and experience. And although my perspective has changed--it may feel a little different than when everything was fresh and new--this is still very high on my list of things I have done in my life. I mean it.

So why the title of this blog entry? What does all this mushiness have to do with worrying?

Just as the ground has shifted for me since the very beginning, I worry sometimes that with routine, you are seeing me in a little different light as well. Being president means making decisions. And some of those decisions by necessity roughen the edges of leadership a bit. You may not agree with things I have done. You may even (and I certainly hope this is not the case) take offense.

For instance, I know my decision to bring back the IC Madrigal Singers may have upset a few people because of the perception it brings a religious preference to the club. My feeling is this was pure musical expression by some very talented young artists-- a much needed respite from the cares of our time. But, I still worry I made some of you uncomfortable. Doing so is not in my job description.

Also, I heard of some grumblings because I didn't allow time for our much-valued fellowship at our last meeting. In hindsight I regret this. I also regret that I came down a little hard on the folks who were still chatting after I started the meeting. I think I was being a bit too obsessed and focused on getting that very-busy meeting moving along so it finished on time. In doing so, I was perhaps too abrupt; I should have taken a deep breath and remembered how important fellowship is.

So I worry.

But if it is possible to enjoy worrying, in this case I am. I think we are blessed with one of the greatest Rotary clubs around. What makes a club great are its members. That means you!

I want to make you all happy, which I realize is impossible. But I still want to.

Once again, all the best for the holiday season. I'll see you when I return from vacation the last meeting in January. In the meantime, our President-Elect, Janet Steiner, will be at the helm for some excellent programs to come.

And remember. Don't worry. Be Happy!!