As of July 1, I, like all Presidents before me, begin my term full of enthusiasm and energy.  I won't borrow Karen's awesome Viking hat, or her "stir things up" paddle, although those symbolic icons really got things going.  I won't be able to borrow Brigette's "Let's get together in the country" retreat idea, although that weekend is what "sealed the deal" for my forever relationship commitment as a Harbarian.  Stacie's "Let's HAVE FUN and do good at the same time" approach with 4 social events planned during her Presidency made me aware of unique and interesting facts about my fellow Rotarians and I enjoyed getting to know them/us/everyone but I am not cribbing that idea, either.  Neither can I crib Tom's "Competitive Service Project" idea, which really was flawless:  we were divided into four groups randomly assigned yet we had to work together to introduce and execute one-service-project-a-quarter.  FInally...how on earth can I expect to fill the shoes of the President that got us the position of Lead Club on a three-year, $200,000 Global Grant?  The answer is that as your new President, I'm just going to do something totally and completely unexpected by everyone:  I will follow the guidelines in my President's Manual from RI.   
 
"Follow the guidelines??? WHAT does that mean, Susie Q?" you ask.
Answer:  First of all, that is spelled "SuzyQ"...I'm from Texas.    Now that we have THAT straight... what it means is that for the first time ever, I will actually use the Rotary International resources and templates provided so thoughtfully in Clubrunner (also known as ...our website).  I will ask you this Tuesday to tell me your passion, (as Kramer words it)...what do you WANT to do, and how much time/effort are you willing to commit, to Harbor?  I promise I will be sensitive to the fact that some of us are totally over-committed in our lives already, and to those of you in that situation, I promise I won't be knocking on your door forcing you to volunteer more than you can.  I also know some of us are just waiting to be asked, and have ideas to share, projects to plan, and energy to spend.  This is YOUR year.  So fasten your seat belts and put on your life jackets.  I'm hoping for smooth waters and clear sailing, but also, like Lord an Lady Baden Powell's Scout Motto since 1907... it is good to BE PREPARED, or, in Arabic (with a nod to our Global Project):  كُن مستعداً