Supper Underground Shhhh!

Have you ever been a part of an underground club? Let me guess, you would tell me but then you would have to kill me right?

Well fine, but I am going to break the silence and tell you about underground club I was fortunate to experience this weekend. It is called Supper Underground and it is exactly what it sounds like. Supper...Underground...well not underground, but on the hush hush. As it says on their vague website, "Supper Underground is a fusion of the intimacy of a dinner party with the ease of a restaurant. It’s the opportunity to experience delectable cuisine and meet new people in a unique and constantly changing setting. Supper Underground is a monthly dinner party that takes place in a different Austin location with different participants each month. Supper Underground guests enjoy a brief “cocktail hour” followed by a four-course meal with wine provided."

My friend Daniel stumbled upon Supper Underground last year and has been lucky enough to go to three of them now. So I was Daniel's guest at this month's Supper. When Daniel picked me up, the first thing he said was, "Okay Roxanne, there are rules to Supper Underground. Rule one: Don't talk about Supper Underground." I thought he was serious a la fight club, but considering the fact that in the year and a half that Supper Underground, which was started by a lovely woman named Hannah, has been in Austin the mailing list had grown to 700 people, I think I can talk about it.


We arrived at Progress Coffee whose owners Joshua and Sarah were kind enough close their coffee shop so that it could be transformed for the event. Each Supper consists of no more than 25 people, so the feel is quite intimate. We dined on food prepared by the resident Supper Underground chef, Tasso and his longtime buddy. Our four course meal consisted of:

• Chilled Roasted Corn and Avocado Soup
• Asparagus Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette
• Crab Cakes atop Purple Potato Puree with Wilted Greens and a Saffron Cream Sauce
• Espresso Creme Brulee

Okay now I want to leave the experience to your imagination so that you will be compelled to find an underground supper club in your area (and yes they are everywhere...Google underground supper clubs and you will be amazed by the amount of results). But I will say that I don't even eat crab but I absolutely loved the crab cakes. It was definitely a meal to remember or the food and more importantly the community. I want to tell you more, but you know, then I would have to kill you...

Bottom line, Supper Underground is the greatest event in your city that everyone is not talking about. Experience it for yourself.

-RXW

What Rox: Don't have an underground supper club in your area? Then start one.

Resale Shop

It is official. I completed my provisional year of The Junior League. Your provisional year in the league is very much like pledging--it gives you an overview of all that The League does to improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Now that I have learned about The Junior League I am placed into the community as a volunteer. My placement as we call it is at the Resale Shop. I am quite excited. As a provisional, I spent a lot of time in the Resale Shop working. Now as a member on The Resale Shop committee, I have the opportunity to learn more about the what goes on behind the scenes to make The Resale Shop such as success. The Resale Shop sells gently used clothes the community. But before you turn off, let me add that the Resale Shop isn't just another thrift store. All of the proceeds made at the Resale Shop go back into the community by funding the various grants that The League awards to groups like The Ronald McDonald House, Easter Seals, Family Eldercare, Habitat for Humanity, Austin Smiles, and the list goes on and on.

In addition to that, every month the resale shop gives foster parents credits to alleviate the costs of things such as clothing and shoes. You would be amazed how much foster parents can purchase for their foster children with the credits. [If you know of a foster parent in Austin, send them our way!]

I am excited about serving at the Shop. I can tell this will be a great year and an awesome placement. If you are in the area, come by and support the community.

What Rox: Sale days at the Resale Shop--Every third weekend of the month (Thursday through Saturday), clothes and sometimes more are half off at the shop...quite the steal and for a great cause.

Women and Money

Do you watch "The View?" I do. Yes it is true, I do. I have watched "The View" on and off since it started--through the trials and tribulations. And I have to admit that it has been pretty flat since Rosie left. But yesterday was a nice surprise. Financial guru, Suze Orman, who is insistent that we should be proud to say how much we make whether it is $5000 or $5 million, was the guest host. As a result the theme was about:

• female entrepreneurs; featuring the inventor of Spanx, Sara Blakely, who started with the $5000 in her savings account!)
  
• women taking control of their finances; featuring the answer to the book club, an investment club called "Chicks Laying Nest Eggs". Women around the country have investing clubs where they invest together,
• women's challenges in the business world; featuring Fortune Magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" and has been called the "First Lady of American Publishing". Cathleen Black, President of Hearst Magazines, oversees 19 of the country's top magazines.
  
• and "Hot Topics" where Suze Orman explained (much to Elisabeth's chagrin) why every marriage should have three bank accounts: His, Hers, and Ours; after all you have to prepare for a rainy day! (It is worth going to the website to watch. Click here and select "The View" under daytime. Scroll through to the clip entitled "Hot Topics: Separate Accounts."
  

I was riveted from beginning to end, not because there was fighting as we have seen all season long on "The View," but because each guest, each discussion was meaningful and empowering to women from stay-at-home moms, to recent college grads, to CEOs. It turns out the episode was a rerun, but I don't care, it was stellar.

-RXW

What Rox: When seeking a raise, the best time to bargain is before you even set foot in the door. Negotiate before you accept the job. Once you are there your boss is less apt to give you the raise you deserve. Don't be afraid to find out what your co-workers are making. How else will you know if you are getting your fair pay?

50 Million Pound Challenge -- Are you in?

This Wednesday I am speaking at the Austin kickoff for The 50 Million Pound Challenge presented by State Farm.

Spearheaded by "Celebrity Fit Club's" resident doctor, Dr. Ian Smith, The 50 Million Pound Challenge is an historic opportunity for African Americans to come together against a growing health crisis. Our challenge is to collectively lose 50 million pounds and reduce the very real risks that being overweight poses to our community.

Being overweight leads to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and many other diseases.

The Challenge is free to join and provides relevant, timely, and helpful tips and guides to shedding those pounds.

I am truly excited about being a part of The Challenge because obesity is plaguing our society in all age groups. And the African American community is at a greater risk than most for the diseases brought on by obesity. As a Jazzercise instructor, I love assisting my clients as they reach their goals for healthy living. Being a part of The Challenge is an extension of that.

- RXW

What Rox: The 50 Million Pound Challenge has already 254,337 pounds and counting. To join The Challenge or to see when the kickoff is coming to your area, go to http://www.50millionpounds.com/
I would love to hear how your healthy living is coming along...

Simple Thanks

One of the things I love about my relationship with my father is learning from his perspective on life. Jeffrey (yes, I call him Jeffrey) has lived a full life with tragedy and joy. He lost both of his parents by the time he was in his mid-teens and grew up poor in Trinidad and Tobago, Through his faith and perseverance he moved to the United States, earned a PhD., and is an amazing professor and soccer coach. I could go on and on about what he had done and continues to do.

My father is my go-to person for my questions about life and faith. One day he and I were talking about prayer and my father told me that when he prays he doesn't pray for anything. I asked him for clarification on this. I mean surely if nothing else Jeffrey must pray for guidance or discernment, something, Right? Wrong. My dad doesn't pray for anything. My dad's prayers consist of thanks. Nothing more than thanks. I was amazed.

In Untitled this week we were talking about when we are thankful...during the obvious times right? When we get something we have been hoping and praying for, when we just miss crashing into a car on the freeway, when our nephew is born healthy, or when a loved one goes into remission. That is when we are thankful. But how about just getting up in the morning? What about being thankful for merely breathing? We forget about the mundane or routine because we have come to expect it. Who remembers the little things.

And the conversation with Jeffrey came right back to me. His prayers are mere thanks--for nothing but thanks.

I am working towards that...

-RXW

Remember the Alamo

An Austin institution is closing down! Well kind of...The original Alamo Drafthouse which has been named the #1 Theatre in America by Entertainment Weekly, is moving locations. The original location was tucked in the heart of Austin's warehouse district. But now Alamo is moving to sixth street (of all places) and expanding. Although this in theory is a good thing, I will miss the old locale. There are many Alamo locations, but the downtown/original Alamo hosts the unique events. The other locations merely show regular new releases. Where is the fun in that?

Some of you may be wondering what the Alamo Drafthouse is all about. Well in the words of Entertainment Weekly the Alamo Drafthouse is: "One of America's most fanatically unique movie-going experiences." And that is the truth.

Alamo is a full service theatre (with servers who bring food to your seat) specializing in off the wall movies from horror nights to random cartoons; to my personal favorite: THE SING-ALONGS!
Yes I said sing-along.

I personally have been to the following Alamo events to name a few: Moulin Rouge, Journey, Mickey Mouse Club (as in Britney, Christina, and Justin), and Trapped in the Closet (as in R.Kelly)--All sing-alongs, and the Saved by the Bell marathon.
In fine Alamo form each event includes props including waterguns, balloons, slap bracelets--whatever is necessary for acting out the show.

This Wednesday is the final night at the Alamo. I sadly will be out of town, but the "Last night at the Alamo Feast" includes a wrench for attendees to unbolt their seats and take them home with them. Eccentric?

Although I will be out of town for the last night, I did attend the last sing-along, thanks to my brother Daniel. Appropriately named, "The Ultimate Sing-along," the event featured songs from past Alamo Sing-alongs. During 99 Red Balloons, we blew up red balloons and bounced them around. As the audience sang to Purple Rain purple streamers were thrown all along. And as the show opened with Thriller four of the Alamo workers dressed like ghouls did the entire Thriller dance.

If you are in Austin, you need to check out The Alamo. The new location will open in September.

FYI: Monday's feature is the The Princess Bride Quote-Along.

Just in case my doctor is reading this, no, I did not sing one single note! Torture, I know, but I didn't want to strain my vocal chords. Off to Dallas today and to a special "Supper" tomorrow. I will share all next week.

-RXW

Get on Board with "Destination Joy"!

So last week I told you about the national aspect of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's "Destination Joy Campaign". This week I thought I would share with you how those of you who live in Central and South Texas can get involved with Make-A-Wish. It is simple! Sign up for the newsletter. Each month you will received an enewsletter from Make-A-Wish. The Enewsletter includes, wish stories and ways you can share the power of a wish, Believe me you won't want to miss it.

All Aboard Central & South Texans for Destination JoySM You and 10 of your friends have the power to grant a wish today! Destination JoySM presented by Lay's® is the Make-A-Wish Foundation's campaign to inspire and empower Central & South Texans to share their much-needed time, talents and resources to grant the wishes of the 333 local children a year who will be diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. Currently we can grant 200 wishes a year, and we need your help to grant 333 wishes!!! Please ask 10 of your family, friends, and colleagues to sign up for the chapter Enewsletter, by forwarding them this email today. Help us reach 10,000 Central & South Texans via email each month with magical wish stories and ways they to can share the power of a wish®. I’m on board, Make-A-Wish! I want to help you reach your destination and bring joy to children in Central & South Texas! Sign me up for the Enewsletter Drive me to see 7 ways to help local kids needing the power of a wish

--

Sign me up for the Enewsletter

Drive me to see 7 ways to help local kids needing the power of a wish

--RXW

Go Rochie aka Dr. Rochelle!

Those of you who know me or read my blog (which means all of you) know that my little sister Rochelle is the apple of my eye. She is all things good in this world and I love her dearly. In fact if ever I think of going seriously wayward, I think of the example it would set for Rochelle and refrain.

Well as if the fact that Rochelle is smart, beautiful, talented, funny, caring, faithful etc., isn't enough for me to absolutely adore her, this week Rochelle gave me yet another reason for her to be my hero. Rochelle started med school! Her quest to be a doctor started when she was a little girl. The road hasn't been easy. There were so many roadblocks in her way: MCAT, classes, rejection letters, etc. All of the obstacles made it repeatedly difficult for Rochelle to reach her dream.

Honestly, I am weaker than Rochelle and would have quit by now. But Rochelle pressed on. She knew what she wanted and believed in her dream even when it was hard to believe in herself. I always knew she could do it if she wanted to. Well she wanted to and thank the good Lord, she has. And the tears that we shared and the defeat that Rochelle felt only makes her appreciate who she is, a med student, even more.

Rochelle reminded me of this: Life puts obstacles in our way as we quest for those professional goals. But if we remember that the obstacles only make us stronger. If we believe in ourselves, AND keep the faith, we can overcome anything and reach our dreams.

And now I get to call Rochelle...Doctor! (Yeah, I know she is in med school, but I figure I have the next four years to practice the term before it becomes a requirement.)

Love you Rochie...aka my hero

-RXW

Check Up On It!

When you are running around with work, travel, etc. it is hard to remember to take care of your body. In addition to exercising and eating well, check ups are essential.

So in an effort to keep my life in balance and maker sure that everything is working well, I had two count them two appointments over the last week. Do you want the bad news or the bad news?

First I headed to the ENT (ear/nose/throat) doctor. For a while I have felt like my voice hasn't been 100%. My symptoms:
- It physically hurts to talk when I am out in noisy areas.
- Loss of my upper singing range. (I am becoming an alto!)
- Gut feeling that something is wrong.

Unfortunately, my gut was right. I have nods aka nodules on my vocal chords. Nods are like callouses caused by vocal abuse. Basically I haven't been speaking correctly. I haven't been using my diaphragm.

I am on the path to repair by consciously using my voice properly, avoiding smoky areas, and getting a more thorough review of my conditions. My goal is to avoid surgery! Thus far the only surgery I have had was for my wisdom teeth.

Now for the other bad news. My second appointment was for my teeth cleaning. I have always prided myself on not having cavities. Twenty-eight and cavity-less! My sisters and I have always had great hygiene, but Rhonda and Rochelle both fell prey to cavities years ago. Not I! I was the victorious one.

Well...until now. My new dentist tells me that I need two fillings. The x-rays don't show cavities, but she is certain that the exist. All I can day is darnit! I tried to be upbeat as my dentist was telling me this. I told her that I was hoping to make it to fifty without cavities. She laughed and said that twenty-eight was impressive. I had a lot of questions because I am a newbie to the whole thing. I asked her if I could get silver or gold in my teeth. She looked at me mortified and I just started laughing. KIDDING!!

By the way, it is awesome that my new dentist is a woman! I love it.

All my dad could say to me when I told him was, (in his island accent) "Well Roxanne, look on the bright side...once you have a filling, those particular teeth can never get cavities again." Excellent. Dad. Thanks!

Bottom line: I know this isn't the happiest blog ever, but the moral of the story is...get yourself checked out. If you don't feel great physically it probably means something isn't right. Don't make excuses, just do it.
Cheers.

How old were you when you got your first cavity...and if you say you still haven't and you are older than twenty-eight, then I don't want to hear it!

- RXW

Community

Where do you find your sense of community when you aren't near your family?

I was reminded of where I find community last weekend.
Untitled, the young professionals group at Riverbend hosted an "On Location."

What is an "On Location" you ask?
Well rather than staying at Riverbend for an event, Untitled headed downtown to the Ale House for a night showcasing creativity. It was a featuring the amazingly talented musicians from Riverbend performing their original music. In addition to the music a comedy troupe performed an improv routine that brought the group to bellows of laughter.

What I loved about it more than the music and the improv was the sense of community. I looked all around the room and could see so many people talking and enjoying themselves and the atmosphere, and I just smiled--it felt like "home."

So many times we forget how important community really is until we no longer have it. And life can get in the way of that community. I love the fact that Untitled can be and is anywhere...whether that is at church on a Sunday morning, at an "On Location" downtown, or hosting a bowling night for the girls at the state home, the sense of community is always present. It is hard to lose that sense of community when you can go so many different places within Untitled, and find it.

What does your community look like?

-RXW

Attention Men: You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!!

As you know I went on a guyaitus (def. swear off men) 11 months ago. My guyaitus lasted for 7 months and in February I decided to go on a guyiet (def. lightly dabble in men in moderation but take none of them seriously). Well I have to admit I am at a loss. For all of my desire to be more cautious this time around you can't avoid everything.


Let me back up...I met a guy in March...we hit it off...I enjoyed his company...of course things were casual per the rules of the guyiet. He...let's call him Barry has just broken up with his girlfriend of about a year so he wasn't looking for anything serious. Perfect right? Ha ha ha. We hung out a couple of time and had a really good time. Great conversation, etc. But as we communicated via text message (yes this is the guy I told you about a while back) phone, email, etc., something was off. He was flaky about his correspondence with me. I knew something was wrong but couldn't quite put my finger on it. And since we weren't serious or even close to serious, I didn't worry about it.

Well after probably about three weeks of not seeing each other, we had dinner last weekend. I had forgotten how much fun I had with Barry and was reminded of that over dinner. We made plans for lunch the following week. As I was getting in my car to head to lunch, I got "the call." Something had come up and he was going to have to postpone probably about an hour. I told Barry that it was fine and he told me he would call me back. That was at 1pm on Friday. I am yet to get a phone call back from Barry! What is the deal?

It would probably be fine if that was the end, but the next day Barry and I were separately at the same event. I say "separately" because we weren't there together, but Barry wasn't alone. Barry brought his girlfriend. Yes I said GIRLFRIEND. I know this because she and others referred to the committed relationship between Barry and his girlfriend. Yikes! So basically, unbeknownst to me Barry and his ex got back together, or maybe they never broke up, I really don't know. All I know is that he and his ex insisted on hanging out with me at the event. Can you imagine with me for one moment how awkward it is to discover that a guy you were seeing has a girlfriend and in the same moment have to spend time with them as if everything was honky dory. Welcome to my world. It was so uncomfortable and disrespectful to me and to Barry's girlfriend. I am an adult, and I can handle news like "I got back together with my girlfriend." I wish that Barry had respected me and his girlfriend enough to tell me where things stood.

After the event, Barry texted me (I really do disdain and love the art of text messaging) to make sure I got home safely. That was a total cop out. Apologize! Bone up to your actions. But please don't beat around the bush.

I ignored the text but later texted him and called him out on everything. Do you know what his response was? Barry said that he thought I knew about his girlfriend and he didn't understand why it was a big deal since I am casually dating a few people. I will admit this brought out the lawyer in me!
A) I knew that he and his girlfriend were no longer...translation "off."
B) I am on a guyiet it is true, but I am only dating men that are single...translation=no wife or GIRLFRIEND!
How hard is that to understand?
All Barry could say was that he does NOT have a girlfriend. (Could have fooled me.)

Although I think Barry is a nice guy and I would could continue being his friend, I was really bothered by the lack of common decency. So many things were wrong with what he did:
- Knowing that I was going to be there, he could have told me the truth prior to the awkward and embarrassing encounter.
- Respect your girlfriend enough to treat her well and stop seeing other people.
- As Mr. Houseman (aka Jerry Orbach) said in Dirty Dancing, "When I am wrong, I say I am wrong." If you totally screw up like Barry did, admit it. Don't deny it. It makes you look worse.

Alas, these are my trials and tribulations related to dating. Do you feel my pain?

- RXW

Make-A-Wish's Destination Joy Kickoff

I just returned from the Chicago's kick of for the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Destination Joy Campaign presented by Lay's.

Destination Joy is a campaign to increase awareness of Make-A-Wish's mission. In the next four years 100,000 children will be diagnosed with a life threatening medical condition. Make-A-Wish needs the help of everyone to make sure that those 100,000 children get their wish.

There are seven ways that YOU can help out:
1) Donate Cash
2) Donate Treasures i.e. frequent flyer miles, hotel points etc.
3) Donate Time & Talents (I will tell you next week how I am donating my Jazzercise talents to the cause)
4) Get involved locally (click here to find out more)
5) Get a Wish Star (available at Cold Stone Creamery)
6) Bid in the Online Auction
7) Shop to help (click here to find out more)

I was in Chicago for the official Destination Joy kickoff where I shared the message of Destination Joy with the media. The event culminated in Union Station around a wish for Christopher. Christopher's wish was to conduct a train. The awesome element beyond the fact that Christopher's wish was granted, was that Christopher conducted a train named after another wish kid, Ollie. Ollie's wish to conduct a train was granted several years ago. So enamored with Ollie, METRA (Chicago's transit authority) named the train after Ollie.






While I was there, I also met a wish kid, named Anna from Oklahoma. Like me, Anna was an ambassador for the Destination Joy campaign. To hear Anna talk about what getting her wish meant to her and her family was so touching--it allowed her to be a kid again and her parents had the opportunity to relax for a moment.

I encourage you all to get involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. You will be happy you did!


- RXW


Check out this television ad reenacting a young boy's wish to be super hero Beetle Boy.

Rock Climbing

Have you ever been rock climbing? I love it and hate it all at the same time.

Without a fail every time I climb, I get about 3/4 of the way through and then wonder why the heck I decided to climb in the first place. I think, "I am not a big fan of heights! What am I doing on this wall? " And then I get tired and start to psyche myself out. Just when I think I want to quit, I hear the voice of a friend below. A friend that can see that if I just reached my fingers a little further and pushed up with my legs, I would reach the next grove easily. I can't see it because of my vantage point on the wall. But my friend can. And without the encouragement I probably wouldn't make it. But because I hear the voice telling me I can make it, I press on.

My friend, Andie has been struggling as of late and all I can do is try to be that voice below cheering her on. Andie and I met working on events for a non-profit. Although Andie lived a charmed life in a nearby small college town where she worked for the college 's development office.

Wanting something more from her life but not sure what, although admittedly there was the hope of being with a guy somewhere in the mix, Andie decided to take a job with the non-profit and move away from the comfortable life she lived. The grass looked greener and so Andie decided she wanted it.

A year has passed and Andie, happy Andie, is miserable beyond comprehension. You name an aspect of her life and I could tell you why it isn't going well.
The transition has been harder than she thought and it is weighing on her to the point where she wants to quit. As we talked this week, I gave her this advice:

Sometimes we leave our comfort zones only to find out that the new opportunity isn't that comfortable. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the grass isn't greener. That doesn't mean we should stop climbing the rock. I mean let's face it, if Andie went back to her old life, it wouldn't be the same. Life moves on without us...things change...a tree falls in the forest even if we aren't there to see it (you get the picture).

And sometimes we need a challenge to snap us out of an unchallenging life. Andie was coasting at her old job. She wasn't challenged, didn't have deadlines, and ruled to roost. There was nothing in her life enabling her to reach new heights. There was so much untapped potential.

Andie is so close to conquering these challenges. And aren't we all? So often we wonder if we can make it through, but that is because we are in it and can't see things clearly. We can't see that we are so close to reaching the next groove. All we need is a little faith and a voice telling us that we are so close as long as we just hang on.

-RXW

Fashion Trend: Pregnant or not Pregant? That is the question.

Have you noticed that there has been a major fashion switch this season? In past seasons tops and dresses were tight and fitted to accentuate the waist. But now tops and dresses are loose around the waist. In fact this season's dresses are shirt-like, baby doll, or an updated 1960s version of the loose fitting dress. (Think Goldie Hawn in her Laugh In performance.)

And oddly enough, as fashion becomes "loose" (in a good way), maternity fashion is getting tighter by the moment. How random is that? Probably not at all. I would take the loose over the tight dress because the dresses right now are so cute.

I for one am thrilled! Loose fitting clothes equals comfort! That said, I have tried on many dresses this season that made me look pregnant. It's like loose fitting suddenly means no shape.
Bottom line, if you are going to wear the loose fitting fashion, you have to make sure there is some shape. As tempting as it is to just pick up the dress in your size and head home, consider these quick tips first:



* Take the time to try on the garment. Although the dresses look amazing on the rack, this season's dress doesn't flatter everyone. And it is hard to predict who they will look good on simply by sight.


* Be adventurous. Why buy a black, red, white, or tan dress when you seize the Summer with a splash of unexpected color? Take a chance and try a blue, purple, or a pattern, etc.

* Don't be afraid to belt it. If the dress is doing nothing for your figure, don't take it home! But before you walk out of the store see if there is a belt you can use to change up the dress.

* Be comfortable. Ultimately your level of comfortably directly SHOWS! If you are tugging at your dress and looking forlorn, don't buy it! Only invest in outfits that empower you.


-RXW

What Rox: For adorable summer dresses, try Bebe.

A Spiritual Smack

Have you ever had a bad/weird/bizarre day that consumes you? Have you ever been smacked out of the funk of your bad day by unexpected kudos?

I most recently had that exact experience this weekend. I had a bizarre experience Saturday night...I found out that I was being deceived by someone I guess I trusted. And the way I found out was so public that I had to act aloof. ( I will explain all on Friday...believe me it is a doozy and is well worth the wait)

Naturally I felt embarrassment and hurt among other things. But the embarrassment and hurt didn't hit really hit me until I was driving to church on Sunday. I guess I was numb the night before. But I felt it on Sunday. I woke up super early on Sunday and got some work done before church. Of course I was a little sidetracked and ended up getting to Untitled Gathering a late. As I was sitting in class listening to the discussion about adult baptism, I must admit my mind wandered to my own bizarre experience. It's weird when you find out that the wool is being pulled over your eyes because you start to question your own discernment. So there I was wondering what if anything I had done to bring this bizarre experience about. Before I knew it the Gathering had ended and it was time to head to service.

As I was heading out of the room, I was stopped by a man who came to talk to me about Footprints In The Boardroom...I did a booksigning at my church, Riverbend on Memorial weekend. This gentleman had just finished reading Footprints, was touched by it and the impact it was having on his prayer life, and wanted me to come speak to the Singles class next month. Wow! Before I could even take in the magnitude of that a woman came up to me. She had just started reading Footprints and like the man was touched. I won't go into full detail about what she said, but by the end all I could say was thank you.

I felt as though someone upstairs was telling me to stop being so silly--stop doubting yourself! Experiences happen-- good, bad, bizarre, etc...we are meant to learn from them. Some experiences sting--but we can't forget the big picture. While I was sitting there feeling hurt and embarrassed, I forgot that I can make an impact that makes an embarrassing experience seem like peanuts. Hearing the impact that Footprints was making in people's lives snapped me out of my daze and back into reality. Who says that the smallest bad news always trumps a lifetime of good news? I happily object. I would like to think that the kudos I received was a little gift from God...a spiritual smack if you will, to snap me out of it.

Does anyone else out there need to snap out of it?

- RXW