And the wheels on the bus....

I understand last week's financial wackiness caused many to start worrying about what's next, what does this mean to me, my family, and will I ever be able to retire??? I encourage you to take a deep breath, be mindful of your mood, and think, learn, & be educated prior to taking actions. There are numerous opportunities to be had when many can only see darkness...so ask yourself, what spark can you ignite to help yourself and others find the light?

Energy Developments
You may be surprised but in the midst of congress getting involved to "save us from financial ruin" (scary thought eh?), they added an energy related amendent to bill H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act 2008 (aka $700B bailout). The amendment calls for Energy Production Incentives which includes renewable energy incentives, carbon mitigation and coal provisions, transportation and domestic fuel security provisions, energy conservation and effeciency provisions (giving credit {$$$$} to early energy efficient adopters), and revenue provisions. In total, bill H.R. 1424 is a whopping 451 pages with the Energy portion noted on pages 113-261. Upon initial review the majority of actions include timeline extensions that were initially defined in various other Energy bills. You can obtain the full text of H.R. 1424 at this link, http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/latestversionAYO08C32_xml.pdf. I speculate you may be surprised by how much of the 451 pages are dedicated to items NOT related to the $700B. If you are interested in the bills being proposed by your house of representatives and senators please check out this website, http://www.opencongress.org/bill/all.

I'm excited to learn what our youth of today have to say about energy so I volunteered to judge at the Blue Springs South debate competition next weekend. The 2008-09 National High School policy debate topic is timely to say the least, "The United States federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States." Students must be prepared to argue both sides of the resolution so I am eager to hear the research they reference to support their arguments. Check back next week to see how our teenagers of today may save the world tomorrow. :)

Career Path
Tremendous movement on the career front last week. I continue to engage in discussions with top notch executives and look to finalize negotiations as early as this week. I am learning a great deal through this process and have been most surprised that what I thought I wanted in my next job might actually be very different. I am enjoying talking with different companies and discussing the valuable ways I can help them and have come to realize that consulting might be a meaningful path for me. Anyone who knows me understands I have a broad background in various business disciplines from sales to business transition management to operational leadership. Initially, I thought security and fulfillment would come in the form of a permanent position, however I am challenging myself to think beyond my comfort zone. My desire first and foremost is to achieve my ambition (my family and I living a good life without compromise) and I now realize my old ways of thinking may be getting in my way of doing just that. Lots to think about this week.

Family
Not only was last week a bummer on the financial end but also on the sports end in the Qualls household. After 2.5 years of not losing one freshman A football game, the Wildcats succumbed to defeat. Coach Qualls took it like the man he is and displayed great character telling his team the heart of a team is how they come back and play the next week. What made the game difficult to watch for me was the Wildcats were playing their rival the Jaguars which happens to be the same high school my kids attend. Soooo mixed emotions as the kids were happy but dad was not. I was proud of my son who didn't rub it in....too much. Sports are big in this household and we encourage the life lessons that come from playing. Being a good sport win or lose is value number 1 in our family.

Thank you for checking in. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have more to add to any of the conversations noted or have any questions. I am always eager to receive feedback and welcome additional information you may have to continue the discussion.

Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa