pray for me

I am feeling a little like this today...



You see...a few months ago, I thought it would be a good idea to step outside of my comfort zone at work and volunteer to become a trainer for a new certification program our division is piloting.  There is a lot riding on the success of this program - if all goes well, we are hoping to roll it out to National.

No pressure.

A few weeks ago I facilitated my first conference call. No sweat - people can't see me and can't call me out for reading off a page of notes I was given. Easy peasy (although still, honestly - terrifying!).

Today...today is different. For six hours I will be like a monkey on display at the zoo. I have to actually facilitate in front of a group of people. This is my worst nightmare come true. What was I thinking?

I am scared shitless. :)

Thankfully I am co-facilitating the class, and we have the developer of the training in the room in case we get weird stares from the class wondering what the heck are they trying to say.

In an effort to calm my nerves, I am promising myself several things IF I SURVIVE. That is key.  I very well could have a heart attack in the midst of saying "Good Morning." Seriously, it might happen.

My first strategy - build up an exterior that makes me look confident, beautiful and smart.

An outfit from Express seemed to fit the bill quite nicely.  A cute ruffled tank layered with a chic black cardigan.


And the Editor pants have made a return to my closet. These were my FAVORITE dress pants I have owned, but the two pair I have been wearing were about 4 sizes too big.



And possibly my favorite part of the outfit, some ruffled heels from where else, Target!  Umm, how perfectly do these match the tank?



My second strategy is to bribe people. Seriously, I think people will overlook my horrid training if they have a sufficient supply of chocolate displayed in a cute halloween bucket. Am I right?

Okay, now that I know I will look good (I did get Maddie and Brenna's seal of approval), I have an ample supply of chocolate, and I at least read over the materials once (really, I spent all day typing up my own notes), it's time for what I get IF I survive.

#1 - I am going to treat myself to a nice long 10 miler, with Maddie rollerblading with me.



#2 - Out with the healthy foods....



...and in with bottles and bottles of wine,



that I will be sharing with my two favorite people.



And knowing the three of us, it is very possible that there might be some chocolate involved.



So please, pray for me today will you?! I am hoping that my nerves will remain calm and I seem knowledgeable on my topics of presentation.

Oh - you could also pray that the weather forecast improves while I am inside...I really would prefer to run in better conditions than this...