There I was at work today.  Sitting in my cubicle.  Clearing out my email.  Scanning the recent minutes of a partner organization’s board meeting.  “Hum, hum, hum,” the imagined sound I make while I am scanning minutes.  Ah, such a good little bureaucrat was I.

Well, there I was reading, when I saw the following quote, “The program continues through the summer with great vigilance by Dave Paulsen…”  Hey!  That’s me!  Not only that, I was referenced as “vigilant.”  (Okay, it said “vigilance,” but same difference.  An adjective version of the noun.  Just back off, already.)  Yes, “vigilant.”  The adjective that means “keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.”  Awesome!  Sort of like a crime fighter description.

Not only that, but it signaled just how far I have come.  Yes me, the young intern who was once referred to as “flighty” (Yep, “flighty” with the awful definition of “fickle and irresponsible.”  Personally, I think “flaky” was always a better fit, “crazy or eccentric,” but oh well.) has blossomed into “vigilant.”  Ha!  Take that!  Now, I’m something that is watchful and protective.  Fighting off danger and difficulties.  A real bureaucratic bad a$$.  Yep, that’s me.  Plus, it’s official.  It’s in the minutes.