Taking a Moment

It's marathon week. There's no reason to talk about what that means because you all know me and you know Altman so you know what this means. It's cool. We're ready. And even if we weren't, it doesn't matter because it is all going to happen whether we're ready or not.

This year is a bit different from those in the past. Last year was hard. It was really hard and really stressful. I had just been through the hiring process to become the Executive Director for KTC and there was no time to take a minute to breathe in March/April 2015...or for the rest of the year for that matter.

I knew I was the best choice for the job but having left and attempting to return made me question whether or not the board of directors would agree with me. That said, the board in 2015 was a much, much different board than the board that was in place when I turned in my resignation in 2012. The 2012 board wasn't bad but we'd all had a hard year and honestly, we just needed a break and time to reset.

I love, love, love this job but if you know anything about nonprofit work, you know that your board can make or break the experience and how long an ED stays with an organization. It's just a fact when working with nonprofits. I can happily say that right this minute, this is the absolute best board that I've seen in a decade of working with KTC. There are many good things to come.

So, this year is different. I am different. I've been working hard to implement some things to change my schedule and to be sure that I get my work done and take care of myself and my family.

At the start of the year, I implemented "NO Meeting Monday" and I stick to it. My schedule is blocked every Monday from 8 am to 5 pm indefinitely on my calendar. So far, I've been good not to make any exceptions. Monday is the day. I workout and then put my hair in a bun, throw on yoga pants, and get to work. I pay KTC invoices, I invoice other organizations, and I do all the operational things that I can do for the week on Mondays. It's the best decision that I have ever made. Need a meeting? Not on a Monday. You may not understand but honestly I don't care. Each week is filled with meeting after meeting and when the organization that you run has roughly 10 large programs plus operations, you need a full day each week to just work.

I also did something unprecedented for me. I left a board of directors position early. I have never done that before. It's an awesome organization that I love and that I know will do great things. But, they need someone who can be "all in" for the next several months and I can't commit to being that person. It's a working board and I love working boards but at this time, what they need from board members is not something that I can offer. And, they were at a key time when I felt it best for me to leave without disrupting their future plans and work.

And today, we took the day off. Yes, it is Easter but it is also Altman's birthday. We've worked late every night and this week is going to be chaotic and then next week is CHKM weekend. We didn't set an alarm this morning. Jason worked out then I worked out. We had brunch. Jackson and I baked a cake. We played outside all afternoon as a family. We had a steak dinner and then funfetti birthday cake. Currently, Altman is giving the boys a bath and then we'll get them settled and ready for a full week of school. In years past, I would have answered emails and I would have been anxious enough to be in tears.

Not this year. This year I am taking a moment to breathe. I am enjoying the boys and loving spring in our beautiful home today after working most of yesterday.

Tomorrow, I will wake up ready to roll. I cannot wait for how excited I will be tomorrow morning and for the rest of the week and weekend. I will tackle everything that has to be completed before the end of the month and I'll determine what can wait until April. If you get moved to April then please don't take it personally. I am just running out of time in March.

It's going to be an awesome week and I am so glad that I was able to take a moment and enjoy this year's marathon season.

See ya on the Clinch Avenue Bridge!