Aunt Rhoda, who is half-way through her ninth decade, has a tactic for any long-haul climb, "like climbing to the top of the Washington Monument, which everyone knows is quite a trek.

For better or worse, I was raised by a Marine. That means I learned to work hard, suck it up, and get things done uncomplainingly.

Recently someone asked me what was most important to me in an assistant.  Great question. A drama-free soul who is committed to making me as productive as possible is worth his or her weight in gold.