"Is Annie OK?", and Kristin and Sandi

I got the sweetest call today from my friend Peggy. She doesn't check her mail everyday but she wanted me to know that she really loved the card I sent her. Her daughters Katie and Rachael also got their cards. She said her younger daughter Katie said "Mom I got the sweetest card from Annie, is she OK?" I thought that was hilarious. She thought maybe I was on my last leg and was sending out my final words to people before I croaked!!

I sent my thanks and appreciation to both Sandi and Kristin. They both were my assistants at work until last May when Sandi took another position at another branch with our company. I think she really liked what she did but was afraid of being laid off.  I hired Sandi about 6 years ago and I really connected with her at the interview. She was calm and quiet but was convinced she would be the right person for the job. When I hired her, people in the office asked me if she talked; she was so quiet. But she gradually opened up and let everyone get to know the real "Sandi". She fit into the credit department so well and I really believe she had an inate talent for the job. It is not an easy  job but she got along with all the customers and all the employees. I hate that she left but I know she is doing a great job in her current position. I do miss her.

Kristin has been with the company for 11 years and transferred from Charlotte. She has a degree in Finance and is very smart. She does a great job. I never have to ask her twice to do anything. When I was out with my transplant she kept EVERYTHING going so well. I never had a minute of worry. Now who can say that, when they've been out of work for 2 months? I think that is a great testament to her ability. (PLUS, it's obvious she had great training isn't it ?  :-). She makes it a joy to come to work.

OH!  I got another wonderful call from my friend Liz. She said she got my note when she was having a really bad day and she said my words made her cry as she was so touched. We talked about gratitude and starting the day with words of inspiration and how that can change us and who we truly are. I can tell you that doing this adventure and keeping my nightly gratitude journal has been very good for me.  If you are feeling "lack" in your life or maybe suffering from a little depression, I encourage you to take a small step and start your gratitude journal. If  you are feeling that your life is in turmoil or nothing is good, you can be grateful for the smallest of things; for your toothbrush, for a safe comfy bed, for freedom of speech, for a full head of hair.... I think you get the idea.  Let me hear from you!   I know I am grateful for getting to go for blood work tomorrow at Duke!

Yours truly,
Annie