“Well As Giraffes Say, You Don’t Get No Leaves Unless You Stick Your Neck Out.”

That quote is from Sid Waddell, a sports commentator known for his cheesy jokes and tag lines. It is fitting because it reminds me of my fellow co-leader Alexa Lampasona. She loves giraffes, has a goofy sense of humor, and enjoys corny theme events. Over the past year and half it has grown on me and I have come to love her ideas of 80’s workouts, dressing up as animals, or putting on a onesie.

Today she celebrates her birthday, but rather than just writing something on her Facebook wall, I figured writing a birthday blog about her might be a little more meaningful. The line about giraffes sticking their necks out makes me smile for a couple reasons. When I think about a giraffe, they are kind of lanky, a little awkward, and prone to injury. Surprisingly they are fast and can cover a lot of ground. They seem to embrace their weirdness and just go on about doing their thing. Anyone else see the parallel here?

It’s true that sometimes you have to stick your neck out in order to get the leaves you want in life. I remember in June of 2017 it was Alexa who approached me about helping out with leadership. Little did she know in the back of my mind I was already thinking it. I believe a quality of a good leader is stepping up even before you are asked, regardless of the outcome. Ever since then Alexa has continually dedicated herself to improving as a leader and making November Project better for everyone that shows up.

Despite all the injuries and setbacks, when it would be so easy to make excuses, she just makes adjustments and goes on about doing her thing. It causes me to step my game up and to pause a moment before trying to take the easy way out. A good leader sharpens others around them.

So this week let’s wish the happiest of birthdays to this giraffe loving girl who is just as crazy about her tribe and willing to stick out her neck for them.

Warm Sweaty Hugs,

Christian