Introduction by Numbers

I'm a member of a Yahoo! Group called "Ask Liz Ryan". It's an an email forum for career, business, networking, entrepreneurial and work/life issues, from finding a job to funding a business to helping a toddler to sleep through the night. It's an amazing group filled with great advice, life experiences, comraderie and humor.

Recently, members were asked to do an "Introduction by Numbers". Since I have been lax in updating my blog, a friend suggested I include my introduction here.

Sixty five (65) is the number of books that I've read by Barbara Delinsky. She is my favorite author. In 1998, I had a bad case of insomnia and picked up "Coast Road" at an all-night drugstore. I have been hooked by her writing style ever since. Delinsky has a gift for creating extremely engaging, well-developed and interesting characters. After finishing one of her books, I find that I always want to know more about the characters in her books. I have even re-read her books over the years.

Thirty eight (38) is my age. Twenty (20) is for the day I was born - February 20, 1969. This makes me a Pisces or a "fish" as my good friend calls me.

Seventeen (17) is the number worn by Brian Sipe, who is my favorite football player. Sipe played quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 1974-1983 and was the leader of the "Cardiac Kids". I have often joked that he was my first "boyfriend" since he was my first crush. Besides being incredibly handsome, following Brian Sipe and the Cleveland Browns helped me develop my passion for sports. I couldn't wait to watch the Browns play on Sunday afternoons in the fall.

Ten (10) is the number of World Series championships won by Yogi Berra of the New York Yankees. While I'm not a big Yankees fan, I have often used quotes from Berra for workplace presentations. Some of his quotations are simple, even silly yet they make an incredible amount of sense. My favorite quote is "If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be." And while many people know of Berra for his quotes and vibrant personality, he truly was an incredible baseball player and team leader.

Nine (9) is the number of cities where I have lived since 1995. (Columbus, Ohio, Columbia, Mo, Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, NC, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, Salt Lake City, Utah, Portland, Ore. and Forty Fort, Pa.) I started my career in sports but now work in IT. While this lifestyle might not have worked for some, it has worked for me. I've been fortunate to see our great country and to meet some wonderful people.

This number recently jumped to 10 (yikes!) as I've been working in Washington state for the past month or so.

Eight (8) is the number worn by Hall of Famers Joe Morgan and Cal Ripken, Jr., two of my favorite baseball players. Morgan was the catalyst for the 1975 and 1976 Cincinnati Reds. Ripken spent his entire career playing for the Baltimore Orioles. He played on the Orioles 1983 World Series team and is known for his workman-like approach to the game. He started a record 2,632 games.

Seven (7) is for my seven nephews (Trevor, Chris, Travis, Bo, Sam, Joey and Michael). The boys range in age from 22 - 8.

Six (6) is for my spot in my family. I'm the youngest of six children.

Five (5) is for my five siblings. I have four sisters (Molly, Linda, Teri and Joey) and one brother (Jim).

Five (5) is also the number of World Series Championships won by the Cincinnati Reds, my favorite baseball team. The Reds won titles in 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990. Since the club just fired their field manager, it looks doubtful that there will be another title in 2007. Of course, as Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over til it's over" so maybe a new manager will ignite the team.

Five (5) is also the number of National titles won by Ohio State's football team. Go Buckeyes!

Four (4) is for the number of years that I've had my cat, Satchel the Cat. She is named after Satchel Paige, the legendary Negro Leagues pitcher. She even has her own web site and is the name of my blog.

Three (3) is for my three nieces (Jamie, Alyssa and Shelby). They range in age from 26 to 15.

Two (2) is for the number of colleges I attended - Stephens College and Ohio State. I received my B.A. in Business and Mass Communications from Stephens in 1995.

Two (2) is also the number of trips that I have made to Cooperstown, NY, to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2000, I drove 1,500 miles (round trip) to see Tony Perez be inducted along with Sparky Anderson and Marty Brennaman. As a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, I was in heaven to be amongst so many Reds fans. In 2005, I went to see Ryne Sandberg's induction.

One (1) is for the number of Summer Olympics Closing Ceremonies where I've fallen asleep. In 1996, I was fortunate to work the Games at the baseball venue and to attend Closing Ceremonies. Thankful for the chance to sit down, I dozed off while waiting for the stadium to fill up with fans. I did wake up in time to hear Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.

One (1) also is for the number of black bears that I have hit with my car. In 2006, while driving in northeaster Pennsylvania, I hit a black bear while driving late at night. While my car did not survive, I did.

And, last but not least, one is for my mother - I only have one. My mom is 76 years old and one incredible lady. While I have a passion for sports, I do not have to look to athletes for role models. I have the best role model ever right in my family.

Take care -Melissa