Photo: Hustle Roses

You know I can tap dance right? Hey, I'm no Gregory Hines, rest his soul, but I've got some moves.

I don't know how this came up on my second day of work. It was a tid-bit I threw out during a game of "Get To Know The Newbie." My new teammates were gathered round my cube interviewing me to make sure I was their kind of people.

The feisty one with the fun-loving smile asked me to prove it. Her adopted catch phrase around there was, "Love your show!"  And she wanted to see mine right then and there.

"Absolutely not." I told her. I was a professional woman — whatever I thought that meant at age 27. It was fine that she accused me of bluffing — I would not be auditioning for the role of department clown.

Besides, it was clear the group already had one of those. Ms. "Love Your Show" sincerely loved people, which was obvious from the way they were all drawn to her. She made people laugh with her silly antics, never with catty jokes at someone else's expense. Even on my second day of work I could tell she was a kind soul.

Later that day I went to the restroom. And whose great shoes should appear in the stall next to me, but Ms. "Love Your Show's"  This was private time, so I dared not interrupt her thoughts by announcing myself and saying hello.

But the clown in me saw an opportunity. The chance to prove I'm trustworthy and not a liar, at a time she would least expect. Please no Larry Craig jokes here — I'm being serious. This is the moment we made lifelong friends:

I straightened my skirt and cleared my throat. I said nothing. Just moved my feet:

Tap, hop, step, fa-lap, step, shuffle, hop, toe, heel!

Other side!

Tap, hop, step, fa-lap, step, shuffle, hop, toe, heel!

Have you ever heard an uncontrolled laugh reverberate off a bathroom wall? Try two people laughing, because I started giggling in reaction to her.

That was a decade ago, and we've both moved on to other things since. She's still proving she's a good soul. Obviously, because the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of San Diego, where she volunteers a lot of her time, has nominated her for 2010 Woman of the Year!

"Don't be misled by the name of the campaign, as it is NOT about me or my team," she wrote in the email making this announcement. Humble, like all altruistic good souls are.

"It is simply about raising money to save lives."

Simply about saving lives. No big deal.

It's a ten-week national fund raising competition that kicks-off tomorrow. With your help — if you're so inclined — she and the team she's rounded up can reach their $50,000 goal.

Don't go away — I know you may not have cash. They're planning a charity auction you might be able to contribute to. She's looking for:

"Anything from collector’s items, gift cards, service certificates, restaurant certificates, airline tickets, hotel stays, or even the donating of space for upcoming events." 

If you would like to make an impression on this would-be "The Woman of the Year" without tap dancing in a bathroom, you can make a tax deductible donation of money or auction items to this cause. Cash donations are accepted starting March 11th, 2010. Please visit Gellie Go-Meyer's "Woman of the Year Campaign" Fund Raising Page.


Good luck, dear friend - I'm glad I met you. Knew you were an angel from day one. Love your show!