Although I've had good intentions, I haven't quite been able to follow through with a solid work-out regimen or healthy diet. So I decided that it was time to put my money where my mouth is and force myself a bit. I have signed up for a sprint triathlon in 91 days! Now I have no choice but to get into shape. Tomorrow I officially start training, although it will be a bit before I get a bike (silly little issue of money!).
I'm excited about all of the "firsts" I will be pursuing this year: graduating next Saturday with my MBA, triathlon in August, Paris in October. And we just completed our first backpacking trip - about 20 miles on the Arizona Trail.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Clarity
I absolutely LOVE Moments of clarity! I love them. Maybe that's because I'm a know-it-all, control freak, anti-surprise type of person. So this week I had one of those very treasured Moments - I completely understand what it is I need to do with my company.
Growth and learning comes through pain and true to theory, I felt some pain prior to having my Moment. I was scheduled to deliver a PMP class in Orange County and I was excited for three reasons: 1. I was close to Brandy and would get to see her 2. Devin was going with me for the first time and 3. work = money. Not a lot to complain about. Except....
I have a major pet peeve when it comes to business. I believe in nurture marketing and building (and earning) client loyalty. As such, frustration ensues when I find myself involved in a business situation that only looks at customers as "transactions". My second pet peeve is poor quality. Especially when it is given to aforementioned customers. As I mended the training program together to the best of my abilities, BAM.... my Moment of clarity: I need to be doing this on my own, creating an environment and experience that is second to none.
Thankfully, Devin was there to witness the disaster and instead of frustration and doubt, we were both on fire for what we could make of our company and our classes. And the planning started - and if you know me, I'm great at moving quickly from planning to action. As luck (or divine intervention) would have it, my three May courses for aforementioned client are cancelled - dare I say it might have something to do with their poor material, poor choice of locations, poor service? So that means I have the entire month of May to focus on this exciting adventure we are about to embark on.
I have submitted RFPs for hotel locations and conference rooms, the material is well underway, and if all goes well, our first class will be in CA in July. We will follow that up with a Boston and Denver in July, Chicago in August... and if we get totally crazy, Hawaii in November!
It's going to be great! We are going to give them 40 hours (in 4 days) of high-energy, fun learning. Games, practice scenarios, quizzes, mind mapping - and a guarantee that they will pass the exam!
Growth and learning comes through pain and true to theory, I felt some pain prior to having my Moment. I was scheduled to deliver a PMP class in Orange County and I was excited for three reasons: 1. I was close to Brandy and would get to see her 2. Devin was going with me for the first time and 3. work = money. Not a lot to complain about. Except....
I have a major pet peeve when it comes to business. I believe in nurture marketing and building (and earning) client loyalty. As such, frustration ensues when I find myself involved in a business situation that only looks at customers as "transactions". My second pet peeve is poor quality. Especially when it is given to aforementioned customers. As I mended the training program together to the best of my abilities, BAM.... my Moment of clarity: I need to be doing this on my own, creating an environment and experience that is second to none.
Thankfully, Devin was there to witness the disaster and instead of frustration and doubt, we were both on fire for what we could make of our company and our classes. And the planning started - and if you know me, I'm great at moving quickly from planning to action. As luck (or divine intervention) would have it, my three May courses for aforementioned client are cancelled - dare I say it might have something to do with their poor material, poor choice of locations, poor service? So that means I have the entire month of May to focus on this exciting adventure we are about to embark on.
I have submitted RFPs for hotel locations and conference rooms, the material is well underway, and if all goes well, our first class will be in CA in July. We will follow that up with a Boston and Denver in July, Chicago in August... and if we get totally crazy, Hawaii in November!
It's going to be great! We are going to give them 40 hours (in 4 days) of high-energy, fun learning. Games, practice scenarios, quizzes, mind mapping - and a guarantee that they will pass the exam!
Friday, April 17, 2009
On the verge of something great
Do you ever have the feeling that you are on the verge of something great? Like hiking up a mountain and your at that point in the climb where the top is tantalizingly within reach and you know that from here on out, it's going to be all down hill (in a good way!).
That's how I feel right now - everything seems to be lining up in the right direction for an absolutely amazing life. We're building our client base and getting great results. Our course materials were a success and we're one of the first to market with the required updates. We've got another few months of really hard work, but I see it just exploding.
I'm so blessed to be able to work with my husband - it is so awesome to have a shared dream and goals and work together to create that dream!
That's how I feel right now - everything seems to be lining up in the right direction for an absolutely amazing life. We're building our client base and getting great results. Our course materials were a success and we're one of the first to market with the required updates. We've got another few months of really hard work, but I see it just exploding.
I'm so blessed to be able to work with my husband - it is so awesome to have a shared dream and goals and work together to create that dream!
Friday, April 10, 2009
SFO is my favorite airport
Is it wrong or weird that I feel completely at home at SFO? I know the restaurants (and waitresses), the rest rooms, the stores, the gates, and the best thing... the location of every outlet. I have spent many, many hours in this airport and other than the fact that I have to pay for internet, it's pretty much my favorite airport. And it's also such a great place to people watch. I find it interesting to see how people dress. Me, I personally go for comfort when I travel, yet with a hint of professionalism (you never know when you might get an opportunity to network). Usually cargo pants, a sweater, and my comfy shoes that slip on and off easily. And always, I have the trusted backpack. THE backpack that has traveled around the world with me and has never let me down. :-) I think most of my emotional attachment comes from the fact that I used to sneak treats and little pieces of meat in it into Bangara when he was at the hospital in Bangalore.
Back to people watching... most people are business casual, but there's always those few who are either over the top professional (although they look very nice), the few seeking comfort that look like they're wearing pajamas (oh wait.... they are), and then there's the women who like they have something to sell... LOL .
I'm waiting on my flight home after a very interesting few weeks. I went from Phoenix to Boston, visited my family for one very quick day, to Providence, RI. My class there was great - a private construction firm. I knew the place was cool when I was greeted by the office dog, Haley. (The conference room also came equipped with a fridge holding a stash of beer... and no, I didn't have any!). From Providence, I went to Houston. Unfortunately, that class was a little more challenging with an audience not quite prepared or enthusiastic for the course. I got to go home for 2 days, and although it was a very busy 2 days, it was wonderful. I miss my hubby, my girls, and my puppies so much when I'm gone.
It seems like I didn't even have a moment before I was back at the airport and headed to SF. But per the opening of this entry, SF is my home away from home. Or so I thought. On my numerous previous trips, I stayed down in the financial district and walked to the offices. This time, I was driving south of the city. The hotel was an extended stay hotel that reeked of fish and other food. My room was functional, but the smell definitely got to me. On the positive side, the conference center where I would be delivering the training was perfect. Located at a marina, the center was clean, set up well, and with a great staff that truly loved their work. Our lunch was prepared each day by a wonderful Hispanic lady who would tell us that it was "made with her love". So refreshing.
My class was a small group of incredible people and I really enjoyed it - especially after a tough week in Houston the week before.
As always, I meet people who strengthen my walk with God and remind me once again just how blessed we are. I had beautiful discussions with a few of my students, sharing the blessings in my life, learning from the blessings in theirs.
Thirty minutes and I will be on my way home to my husband.... and I can't wait.
Back to people watching... most people are business casual, but there's always those few who are either over the top professional (although they look very nice), the few seeking comfort that look like they're wearing pajamas (oh wait.... they are), and then there's the women who like they have something to sell... LOL .
I'm waiting on my flight home after a very interesting few weeks. I went from Phoenix to Boston, visited my family for one very quick day, to Providence, RI. My class there was great - a private construction firm. I knew the place was cool when I was greeted by the office dog, Haley. (The conference room also came equipped with a fridge holding a stash of beer... and no, I didn't have any!). From Providence, I went to Houston. Unfortunately, that class was a little more challenging with an audience not quite prepared or enthusiastic for the course. I got to go home for 2 days, and although it was a very busy 2 days, it was wonderful. I miss my hubby, my girls, and my puppies so much when I'm gone.
It seems like I didn't even have a moment before I was back at the airport and headed to SF. But per the opening of this entry, SF is my home away from home. Or so I thought. On my numerous previous trips, I stayed down in the financial district and walked to the offices. This time, I was driving south of the city. The hotel was an extended stay hotel that reeked of fish and other food. My room was functional, but the smell definitely got to me. On the positive side, the conference center where I would be delivering the training was perfect. Located at a marina, the center was clean, set up well, and with a great staff that truly loved their work. Our lunch was prepared each day by a wonderful Hispanic lady who would tell us that it was "made with her love". So refreshing.
My class was a small group of incredible people and I really enjoyed it - especially after a tough week in Houston the week before.
As always, I meet people who strengthen my walk with God and remind me once again just how blessed we are. I had beautiful discussions with a few of my students, sharing the blessings in my life, learning from the blessings in theirs.
Thirty minutes and I will be on my way home to my husband.... and I can't wait.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Which city am I in?
I have been on the road lately and it's now all starting to blur together. A few weeks ago I delivered training in Dallas. I had a good group, although a testament to the status of the economy - I had four seasoned professionals who had recently been laid off. Then it was off to Providence, RI. This was a great class! Customized for a group of construction project managers - they were awesome! I had a wonderful trip - got to spend a day with my nieces, which was so great - and it was just very comforting to be back in the northeast... made me very homesick!
Then it was off to Houston and unfortunately that class wasn't the best. There's a major difference between classes where participants are there by choice versus those that go to training because their boss told them to. It was challenging and I'm glad it was only four days. I was so ready to go home.
Back at home, it was pretty much laundry, clean the rental house, pack and back to the airport. I missed my hubby, my little girl, and my dogs.... :-(
Now I'm in San Francisco, which for the past eight years has been my home away from home. I love the city, although I'm a bit outside the city. This class is great! It's a small group, but they are all awesome and I know it's going to be a fun week.
Tomorrow is the baby's birthday. 18 years old - doesn't seem possible. I remember when she would fall asleep on my chest or in my arms. And I think this is the first time I'll be away from her on her birthday. So sad....
Then it was off to Houston and unfortunately that class wasn't the best. There's a major difference between classes where participants are there by choice versus those that go to training because their boss told them to. It was challenging and I'm glad it was only four days. I was so ready to go home.
Back at home, it was pretty much laundry, clean the rental house, pack and back to the airport. I missed my hubby, my little girl, and my dogs.... :-(
Now I'm in San Francisco, which for the past eight years has been my home away from home. I love the city, although I'm a bit outside the city. This class is great! It's a small group, but they are all awesome and I know it's going to be a fun week.
Tomorrow is the baby's birthday. 18 years old - doesn't seem possible. I remember when she would fall asleep on my chest or in my arms. And I think this is the first time I'll be away from her on her birthday. So sad....
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Motherhood
I've done many things in my life... some of them well, many of them not so well. But my true joy came from being a mom.
I was reminded tonight of that precious moment in time when your little ones are so tiny, so impressionable, and so loving - in a complete and absolute manner. And no matter how your day was or what was going on, there was one thing you always knew - how much your children loved you and needed you. They were the constant, the unwavering, the only thing you could rely on. They made you who you were and when you thought you couldn't go another step, you knew you would run a marathon to protect them.
It's such a strange place you find yourself when your children are gone. There's a strange little fleeting piece of pleasure - no more cleaning up after them, no more cleaning up puke in the middle of the night, so on and so forth. But in reality, there's such an emptiness. To go from being completely needed to not needed at all is rather like plunging off a cliff. Your identity is all but gone.
And so I wonder. Who am I now? What is my role? Where am I needed?
I miss the days of baths and little shoes and pony tails and cheerios and lotion. I miss the feel of little arms around my neck and coloring books and Disney movies. And yes, I even miss the midnight fevers, the bickering, and the crying. Because that's when I knew they needed me.
I'm trying to figure out this new space I am in, this new role that I'm filling. But it's not easy and I'm struggling. Perhaps with time will come enlightenment. I only pray that it comes soon.
And until it does, I will just remember how it used to be. Making grilled cheese sandwiches on a Saturday, singing songs in the car, putting french braids in their hair. And wishing I had treasured those moments.... if only I had known they would go so fast.
I was reminded tonight of that precious moment in time when your little ones are so tiny, so impressionable, and so loving - in a complete and absolute manner. And no matter how your day was or what was going on, there was one thing you always knew - how much your children loved you and needed you. They were the constant, the unwavering, the only thing you could rely on. They made you who you were and when you thought you couldn't go another step, you knew you would run a marathon to protect them.
It's such a strange place you find yourself when your children are gone. There's a strange little fleeting piece of pleasure - no more cleaning up after them, no more cleaning up puke in the middle of the night, so on and so forth. But in reality, there's such an emptiness. To go from being completely needed to not needed at all is rather like plunging off a cliff. Your identity is all but gone.
And so I wonder. Who am I now? What is my role? Where am I needed?
I miss the days of baths and little shoes and pony tails and cheerios and lotion. I miss the feel of little arms around my neck and coloring books and Disney movies. And yes, I even miss the midnight fevers, the bickering, and the crying. Because that's when I knew they needed me.
I'm trying to figure out this new space I am in, this new role that I'm filling. But it's not easy and I'm struggling. Perhaps with time will come enlightenment. I only pray that it comes soon.
And until it does, I will just remember how it used to be. Making grilled cheese sandwiches on a Saturday, singing songs in the car, putting french braids in their hair. And wishing I had treasured those moments.... if only I had known they would go so fast.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Back from Dallas
Dallas was awesome - only eight students in my class, but they were all great. Very focused on the material. It was so refreshing to have a class of adults who were able to prioritize the class over emails, cell phones, blackberries, etc. I had two participants taking their tests right after the class and I'm very happy to report that they both passed!
In an effort to save money, I decided not to get a rental car and instead relied on the hotel shuttle - and it worked out great! No complaints at all!
The next eight weeks are going to be insane: This week is all about finishing about the materials, next week we get the babies for the week (YAY!!), and then it starts: I fly to RI on Tuesday, teach Thursday through Saturday, fly from RI to Houston on Sunday, teach Monday through Thursday, return to Phoenix on Friday for a couple of days and fly out to San Francisco on Sunday. The following week I have class in Phoenix, followed by Orange County.
I'm so thrilled that we have so much work coming in.... but a little sad. I will be in SF on Brooke's 18th birthday and then I was really hoping my friend Wendy could come out and visit me for a girls' trip, but SF got in the way of that as well. :-(
Oh, we had a little surprise in the mail today. Our new friends from Paris (that we will be exchanging with) sent us a tour book of Paris... and even marked the location of their apartment on the map! 30 WEEKS!! I can't wait!!!
In an effort to save money, I decided not to get a rental car and instead relied on the hotel shuttle - and it worked out great! No complaints at all!
The next eight weeks are going to be insane: This week is all about finishing about the materials, next week we get the babies for the week (YAY!!), and then it starts: I fly to RI on Tuesday, teach Thursday through Saturday, fly from RI to Houston on Sunday, teach Monday through Thursday, return to Phoenix on Friday for a couple of days and fly out to San Francisco on Sunday. The following week I have class in Phoenix, followed by Orange County.
I'm so thrilled that we have so much work coming in.... but a little sad. I will be in SF on Brooke's 18th birthday and then I was really hoping my friend Wendy could come out and visit me for a girls' trip, but SF got in the way of that as well. :-(
Oh, we had a little surprise in the mail today. Our new friends from Paris (that we will be exchanging with) sent us a tour book of Paris... and even marked the location of their apartment on the map! 30 WEEKS!! I can't wait!!!
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