Yesterday I was walking my dogs in the neighborhood. From a distance I could hear loud music blaring. As I got closer, I recognized Edith Piaf singing her lungs out. As I got even closer, I discovered the source - the trash truck. Sometimes, things aren't what you expect.

Last week, I was in a conference room full of women. I was sitting next to a woman with ragged clothes, no makeup, dishevelled hair. During the meeting, someone referred to the newsletter editor, and lo and behold all eyes turned to the woman sitting next to me. And then the speaker added that my neighbor was just finishing up her PhD dissertation. Sometimes, things definitely aren't what you expect.

Look beyond your expectations, sometimes there is a lovely surprise.

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive