Its been a while

The most difficult thing about writing is....wait for it.... writing...

Since my last post a lot has happened.  I finished my LSL (Leadership St. Louis) class.  We were class 37 and it was a great experience.  To me, the best part was how everybody gained so much confidence.  We heard over and over again how people felt more confidence because they were a part of the process and that group.  I would have to agree.

Sometimes, we look at ourselves and, frankly, we don't see ourselves like others see us.  It was odd to be around such accomplished people and, over time, realize that they accepted you for you .. that is that you belonged with them.  I met such great people and I truly feel like I can do anything now.

I've been considering a number of things -- even running for state rep in IL -- running for school board and one reason is that this group instilled me with great confidence.

I learned so much about St. Louis, but also about me.  I also learned so much about great people in the St. Louis region.  Monica Conners with the St. Louis County Economic Council, Kira Banks at UMSL, Erik K. at Edward Jones, Andrew Scavatto at Stinson, Stephanie Regnanon at Monsanto, Erika Neal at the Griot Museum, Reagan Nelson, Leon Sharpe, Joe Gfaller, Tim Huskey, Michelle Fontaine, Kristen Fauss, Tim Huskey, Elissa Schauman, Michael Silver, and so many more that I can't name.  They all taught me something.

The final weekend was a great good bye (but really an introduction into the rest of our lives together).  We had a quite a party (too much alcohol, including a shot of Makers Mark -- WTF??), but it was also quite a good bye.  We had gotten so used to seeing each other every month that still is odd to not have that "next month" coming soon.

I look forward to maintaining those relationships.  I have made a personal goal of seeing 40 of my class mates in the next 6 months for lunch, coffee, drinks, etc.  These relationships and people are the people that will help the region become as great as it can be.

Other than that, i had a great birthday.  Played golf at Bellerive, ate dinner with my family (Lincoln did not make it the entire dinner), and ate some chocolate cake -- if you know me you know that is my favorite dessert <-- BTW, I always remember dessert has 2 Ss b/c of Ms. Short who taught us that dessert is something you want so it has 2 Ss (desert has one s), but i digress.

I'm 39 now (holy shit).  I am doing a triathlon on Sunday.  its going to be hot, but I'll survive.  Wish me luck.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

-CP

BTW:  I still can't get over the St. Louis American article.  Odd to see something about you in print, especially when its positive...

Have a great day and keep perspective...remember, we all only have first world problems...