Perspective From a Bad Airplane Trip

Posted from Royal Oak, Michigan--

I've just returned from keynoting a conference at the fabulous Virginia Crossings Resort in Glen Allen, Virginia.  What a great place!

Unfortunately, I was treated badly by my favorite airline, Northwest Airlines on the way there and on the return.  I spent over 16 hours at the Detroit and Richmond during this short trip.  Security issues and bad timing at the Richmond Airport got the best of me and I was about to lose my temper with TSA official when he said something that really put things in perspective for me.

I had complained about the quality of food on the secure side of the concourse.  The uniformed agent looked at me and said, "Sorry sir, I wouldn't know about the airport food.  I can't afford to eat here."

Wow.  I shut right up after that.  A little perspective is a wonderful thing.

The Virginia Crossings Resort is a former corporate headquarters for some business that left town long ago.  The property features three buildings named after  three United States Presidents: Jefferson, Madison and Monroe.

Both Jefferson and Madison died bankrupt.  Jefferson, of course, made an extensive hobby of criticizing
 Alexander Hamilton's concept of a central bank.  Hamilton was the country's first Secretary of the Treasury.  You carry his picture in your wallet on the $10 bill.

A man who couldn't manage his own money criticizing a man managing the money of an entire country.  A little perspective is a wonderful thing.

Comments

[Susan Giove]

I do not feel so bad about my own finances having learned about 2 of our Founding Fathers!!!
I was in attendance for your Keynote speech at Glen Allen, VA. I enjoyed every minute of your Elevator Speech to a room full of Rotarians.
I will keep in touch with you because I would love for you to attend my District Assembly with Presidents' Elect; Club Secretaries & Treasurers ct next May, 2009 in Dover, Delaware-- at Dover Downs Hotel.
I hope that you will be able to join us--I believe that your message should be heard by as many Rotarians as possible. I love Rotary & I want Rotary to continue to thrive!