I travel a lot and I really enjoy it.  I mean really, I've finally got the TSA thing down to a system that works for me.  I understand the need for safety and I am willing to do my part.  But today I learned that they're ready to make another change come January 2008 and I find it ridiculous.

In an article titled, "Baggage Ban on Batteries" they report the following:

To help reduce the risk of fires, air travelers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning Jan. 1, the Transportation Department said Friday.

Passengers can still check baggage with lithium batteries if they are installed in electronic devices, such as cameras, cell phones and laptop computers. If packed in plastic bags, batteries may be in carryon baggage. The limit is two batteries per passenger.

The ban affects shipments of non-rechargeable lithium batteries, such as those made by Energizer Holdings Inc. and Procter & Gamble Co.'s Duracell brand.

I'm a professional speaker and I bring more than two extra batteries every trip.  Consider this.   The tools of my trade include a wireless microphone and digital camera.  These two devices alone require more than just the two batteries allowed per passenger.

It's the day after Christmas and I am truly feeling the spirit this year and here's why. 

I spoke with my 87 year old mother on Christmas day!

I know that some of you are saying so what?  But you don't know the whole story.  Whan I arrived in America at 17 years old it was the first time that I was able to live with my mother for any period of time.  She left me with my grandmother in Kingston, Jamaica (West Indies) when I was only 3 months old and the next time I saw her I was in high school.  She came back to Jamaica for a visit, and that was the first time I saw her in person.  So when I got to the United States we didn't know each other very well and like all teenagers I thought I knew everything. 

We didn't get along at all!  So by age 18 I moved out and never returned home.  I was miffed at her and rarely spoke to her for years.

On her 80th birthday I made peace with her and attended her birthday party.  We have had a fair relationship since then.

Last week I bounced all over the country for my speaking engagements.  On Tuesday I spoke in Tupelo, MS, Wednesday I spoke in Birmingham, AL, Thursday I spoke in Columbus, OH and I closed the week out in Burlington, VT.

As always, I really enjoyed meeting the ladies and teaching them about leadership.  Each location provided me with opportunities to help individuals on a one to one basis and do what I do best which is helping women to achieve their objectives.  One woman in Birmingham, AL wrote on my evaluation "This seminar is the best thing since the creation of Lays Potato Chips.  I just can't have one. I need more of these seminars!"

At the end of my session in Burlington, VT two women came up to me. That's when it happened.

One woman said to me "you were sent here today for a reason.  You are a Miracle!  You've never been to Vermont before have you?  When I arrived today and saw a woman of color at the front of the room I just had to sit in the front row."  As her eyes filled with tears I realized the sincerity of her comment, and that without even realizing it, I was making an important impact on her that would make a positive difference.  We connected and had a good discussion.

It meant a lot to me because that's my mission and purpose in life.  I help women on the Journey to Achievement of their Destiny.  In that moment, her journey and mine had joined together and I will never forget her.

I am grateful that she took the time to share the experience with me.