Short answer: Right here.
In this history of this blog – which I think is going on five years – I’ve never before gone so long without posting something. It’s almost been a month. I’m only mildly offended that no one reported me missing.
In case it happens again, let me explain why I’ve been MIA. It’s not that I haven’t had anything to write about. On the contrary, I have a list of topics (updates on my 40 x 40 list, a visit from my sister and nephews, bad fashion choices worn by women in my neighborhood, etc.) that nags me every time I sit in front of my laptop, practically begging for expression.
Alas, the challenge here has been TIME. Yup. I don’t think I’ve posted about it, but I started back to school earlier this year. I’m attending Georgetown’s Leadership Coaching program, and – when combined with my job – it’s a full load. The time that once went to blogging is now spent reading books, writing papers and – gasp! – coaching real clients as part of the pro bono practicum.
I know, it’s kind of crazy to think that people are trusting someone with an adolescent sense of humor to help them navigate the challenges of leadership. But there you have it. (Seriously though, I think humor is a much-needed aspect of coaching executives, because it helps remind them that authenticity is a key part of leading. It’s much more persuasive than being “boss-like.”)
Speaking of being boss-like or faking being boss-like… I’m off to NYC this week to present at the Social Learning Bootcamp. It’s being held at Microsoft’s new technology center in Times Square, so I’m excited to check it out. However, I’ll be toting my presentation on a MacBook Air, so I’m hoping they actually let me past security. I think I can guess how they feel about bringing enemy gear across the threshold.
Oh – and don’t worry that I’m going to pull a Jack Torrance over here. My motto is NOT, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…” I’ve found time to squeeze in some of the good stuff over the last few months. To wit, I’ve:
- Crossed the 30 mile mark on my quest to swim 50 miles before my birthday
- Searched for the doors at the Mansion on O Street and finally visited the Phillips Collection
- Been issued a library card for the Library of Congress
- Hosted my West Coast bestie (aka Magston) for a visit
- Helped Alan celebrate Aidan’s birthday with a Nationals Game
- Read 20 books since January
So you were right not to worry. Silence isn’t a bad thing. It’s just a busy thing.
pithypants 
YAAAAAS. The number of hours I have spent on grad school work in the last week might actually be a full 50% of the number of hours I’ve spent at my office. I had a meeting the other day with a dean who asked how many classes I’m taking (two) and then said, “That’s a lot with a full-time job.”
Yeah. Turns out.
We will survive! We will go ALL KINDS OF Gloria Gaynor on this! Fierce! Right after we take a damn nap.
Interesting. Gloria Gaynor is providing your theme song. In my world, it’s more like, “Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. Mainly because I’m not sitting still long enough to be touched!
The other day, it was Counting Crows, I said aloud, “I am an idiot,” to which naturally follows, “walking a tightrope of fortune and fame.” Except nope.
I was wondering where you’ve been but that’s very impressive news. Humor in leadership, what a concept but if you can add any advice to those who need to get the stick outta their butts, please do.
They haven’t trained me on stick removal yet, but if the pricing is anything like what proctologist charges for a colonoscopy, I’m going to become rich.
And just think of the endless list of potential clients!