I left the American Library Association on July 1, 2011, and begin as Executive Director of Tenn-Share on July 2, 2012, a 366 day journey to full-time employment. It became so much more, professionally and personally. It became difficult to differentiate because work and life merged in beautiful ways.
I feel like I'm trivializing the magnitude of this significant chapter of my life by using bullet-points, but I love bullets almost as much as spreadsheets and adjectives. My daughter and I moved to Nashville on July 5, 2011, because I adore this city and our Village (family and friends). I never imagined that the path would be this curvy and treasure-filled. I also never imagined that I would have to work this hard to find work. It was well worth it.
Now, I look forward to being an exceptional Executive Director. I will continue to build my network and discover new facets of this region, and be pleasantly surprised at the intersections. Eventually, I hope to be named to a board or two so that I can utilize other skills to benefit the community.
Trusted God to care for us. All of our needs and most of our wants were met in abundance over this year.
Spent quality time with almost 200 people through networking.
Reflected on my life, skills, desires and goals with Lacy Nelson, career coach.
Offered a week of my services, CAE for Free, to 20 associations. The Tennessee Pharmacists Association jumped at the chance and were pleased to receive a membership report and draft website. (see What they said)
Volunteered and made an impact at Oasis Center, Nashville CARES, Saint Thomas Hospitalist Group and Saint Thomas Health Foundation, Hands on Nashville (primarily sorting food with Second Harvest), TN Society of Association Executives and the Village Church.
Learned about many of Nashville's non-profits, associations and industries.
Focused on my health, completing P90X and pushing myself to care for my temple with other Beach Body and Jillian Michael's DVDs, and Zumba(R). I also walked and biked hundreds of miles, often in area parks and greenways.
Enlightened by membership meetings held by the Tennessee Diversity Consortium.
Participated in the Brentwood United Methodist Church Career Transitions Group.
Selected to write a humanities grant for a local speaker series.
Added lots of entries to my Breadpuddinglovers blog, and met some of the local food bloggers.
Became a Yelp Elite blogger for 2012.
Engaged in professional development webinars and reading.