Monday Feb. 1, 2010

I cannot believe it is February. Since I cannot jinx the month of January anymore, I want to know if it has been the least amount of snow in history. I swear, I do not think that we had more than a few inches. I only used my snowblower once, and that was to clear a path for my bride to walk to her car (I mean I had the honor of clearing a path for my beloved to walk safely to her vehicle).

What about the Shrine: We are in full swing. The Event Chairman are out there working their magic. Although some obstacles are in the road, by our own inactions, and here is that evil word I continuously use, by our own Complacency, we find ourselves breaking down the static hurdles and bringing our organization into the present, thereby forging a path into the dyanamic future. Those two words best describe many organizations and the attitudes of their members: Static vs. Dyanamic. A static, complacenent, stagnant organization eventually finds itself caught in a massive loop of ineptitude, very difficult to implement ideas necessary to succeed. It is the dyanmic, progressive, open-minded organizations that view each day as a new day to increase the success of their group, ensuring the successful future. I can give you statistics all day long on the declining membership year after year, and we can sit around talking about ways to increase the numbers, however, without action (expressing the dyanamic nature), of course you will fail.

In reviewing the last several weeks, I hope that I have shared with you my intent to review every single aspect of the Shriners, making adjustments where necessary to move us in the right direction. Our Board of Directors feel the same way, which makes our discussions not only healthy, but ensuring actions.

On a different subject, I have been asked how can I be the Shrine Leader an work for a living. This old, tired line of thought has persisted since I was elected the Oriental Guide. I do not let it get to me, because I know in speaking to my mentors, that for decades the business of the Shrine was handled by leaders who worked and met in the evenings, and believe it or not, the Shrine survived. That being said, I thought that from now on, I may share with you the amount of hours, in addition to the distances driven, in leading and representing the Shrine.

On Monday, I arrived at the Shrine Center at 4:00 P.M. and left at 11:30 P.M. Almost as long as I spent at work during the day. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, the Event Chairman, the Chief Aide, The General Chairman, and all Shriners, the business of the Shrine was not only conducted, but also mastered. I met with the Unit Directors, but stayed in the background, because the Director of Units conducted a splendid meeting. I met with 4 Units that met this evening, and they were very responsive to the actions of the year. I was able to review the calendar of events with the Chief Aide and the Hungry Five, who are creating their schedules to ensure successful events, when their expertise is required.

What else, oh YEAH, I HAD FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I spent time socializing with the Lancers, Shrine Patrol, Directors Staff, Oriental Band, Clowns, and some Americans. How can you have more fun than with these great group of guys? In between solving the world's problems, we discussed better ways to improve the Shrine and our Child Care, many new ideas I never conceived, but will bring to the table.

THEREFORE, after almost 7 hours, I departed and got home in time for Carrie to express her undying support and love (at least that is how I interpreted her words).

Month Number 2 and the Shrine is still "FEZTASTIC"

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