So... cool story;
This morning I get up and hit the trail early to run around the lake here in the downtown area. About mile 5, running the other direction on his morning run - happens to be my boss's boss.
I shouted a good morning to him and he stopped, surprised to see me since I'm from another state.
We had a nice chat... both agreeing that starting a day off with a run is the best proactive stress relief and happiness boost there is.
Those shameful memories are behind me.... and I suppose a chance encounter with one of my execs along his morning run is a pretty darn fine sign that I'm on the right path.