You Want Fame?

In an effort to motivate myself to get up and get going, I woke up early with flashbacks of my undergraduate days. As a freshman, one of my mentors/directors at The College would go around quoting the character, Lydia Grant, played by Debbie Allen in the popular 1980s TV series, FAME: "You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying...in sweat."

Here's the clip from one of the first episodes (The very familiar line was also in the opening credits):



To get to a short sweet point...

Today, I should have had a "free" day. It's a four day holiday for my work organization; however, my alarm went off bright and early. After showering and eating a little something, I made my way over to the work spot and met with a new hire who needed some assistance in her new administrative role. We sat and talked--laughed a bit, but what stood out was the comment she had shared with her colleague regarding her hours. Considering how much less we get paid compared to our counterparts on the job, it's ridiculously sad--and we do SO MUCH WORK. She shared with him that she had no intention of being present for all of the stuff he was listing and wanting her to be in attendance for. She told him he could handle that piece since his paycheck covered it...YIKES! Glad they have that kind of relationship, and her words are true.

Despite my knowing the latter, I still plug along and just do. All I've ever known is EXCELLENCE. Whatever I put my hands on or have my name a part of, I expect to be all or none. Growing up my mother frequently made me quote: "When a task is once begun, finish it until it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all!"

I stay "tipping on the tightrope" -- whether high or low, hated or loved, I keep my balance. It's really not about anyone else when I do stuff; I realize I have a leadership style based in service, which only a small/rare percentage do. It's my focus, my game, my goal to achieve for the overall good. As long as I don't fall, all is well. But, even if I did fall off, I know who would block the fall, dust me off, and get me back on the rope. The picture is always bigger than you and me.

So, as I move into the weekend, here is a little musical enjoyment from an up and coming artist. She is really ON HER GAME. I couldn't decide which of the versions I liked most so here they both are. I hope they'll give a boost like they did me. In a generation/time where I feel so detached to the current trends, it is refreshing to come across music that I actually like, understand, and would be willing to hit "replay" on!