Having fallen from driving grace, I arrived in London on the Greyhound bus. I had my eye on everyone as they got on, making sure that the person who sat next to me didn't look like she has homicidal tendencies. The worse thing I could say about her was that she had the latest GQ magazine (Jennifer Aniston's baring it all cover) and it made it really difficult not to read over her shoulder.
Eagle Eye Boode was waiting for me when I stumbled off the bus and into the terminal. I walked up to Dad, before he even realized I had come off the bus. Apparently I have this bus riding thing down so well, I fit in with all the other weary riders.
We waited out the afternoon keeping an eye on the Northwest Airline website. We were tracking Dean's progress. He was delayed in Detroit, but that was no surprise given the weather. Once he got in and we were all feasting on Mum's Chicken Pie around the dining room table, you could see the relief settle in over Dad and Mum. Their kids were home.
Even though Dean and I have our own homes and established lives, I think we will always call our parent's house our home. We have never lived here ourselves, but the sentimental value of the family together makes this place our home.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Kiva conceived and concluded
Volunteering is a big part of what I want to do on my sabbatical.
I applied for the Kiva Fellows Program in October. Kiva is a US charity that works with microfinancing organizations around the world. As a Fellow, you are sent into a region where Kiva has microfinancing relationship. Your role is to support the microfinancing organization in its efforts with its entrepreneurs and with their relationship with Kiva.
My application was approved and I was asked to engage in several tasks; including setting up a blog space on Wordpress, developing a budget and providing a writing sample. As a Fellow, you are responsible for interviewing entrepreneurs and providing written updates on their process via the Kiva site. Plus you are expected to blog about your overall experience on the Fellows Blog. The posting on the blog were a major factor in my decision to apply for the program. The descriptions provided by the Fellows were compelling and gave great insights into the world of overseas volunteerism. I was convinced that this program was aligned with what I wanted my sabbatical to be about. Plus with the 10 week commitment required, I would be able to balance my time with volunteer programs and travel. If accepted into the program, I would start my travels in San Francisco in January for training and then move straight into my placement.
During the application process, I kept being reminded what it is like to work with non-profit organizations. With all the best intentions, most programs I have been involved with are not always run smoothly. For Kiva, they required me to have two phone interviews; one with a previous Fellow and one with the Fellow's Program Director. In both cases, the initial interviews were missed, with little or no explanation. Both times, I need to reach out and reconnect with the group to set up alternative times. I was (and still am) very understanding and forgiving for these missed steps in the process. However, I did wonder if these set backs were simply early lessons in how to work with the microfinancing organizations or with Kiva itself. Also, it seemed that the only time I was contacted by Kiva about the next step in the process was when I was proactive and sent a note inquiring about my application status.
I had requested that my placement be in Africa or Southeast Asia. As it turns out, Africa is the most competitive region, and by the time my final interview took place, there were no longer any African placements. I was offered Cambodia, Somoa or Azerbaijan. I had difficulty with offer, because I had put so much hope and expectation into getting a placement in Africa. I was not prepared to spend that much time in Somoa. Although it is suppose to be a beautiful island, not being able to travel easily to other places during my program, was not going to work for me. I wasn't even sure where Azerbaijan was when it was first suggested to me. I seriously had to look it up on a map. And for those of you who know me well, that is unusual. Given its location and my lack of understanding of the place, I thought it would be a big stretch for me to spend almost 3 months of my sabbatical in a place I hadn't even considered to travel to. Finally, Cambodia was a tough review. I had said that I would consider going to a placement in Southeast Asia. In preparing for this overall trip, I had had many discussions with people who had taken similar trips. Most of them had spent some time in Southeast Asia. Almost all of them recommended Cambodia as a place to visit, but wouldn't suggest staying there for any prolonged period of time. I have heard of several horror stories of people getting very very ill in Cambodia. I didn't want the beginning of my year long trip to be marred by a serious illness.
Having gone through the whole process, in the end, I had to turn it down. And the final interaction with Kiva was again a sign that I wasn't meant to participate at this time. I sent the Director a note explaining that I wasn't going to be able to joining the three placements they had offered, but that I wished them great success and hoped that in the future any application I might want to enter would be accepted without issue. I also congratulated them on having so many qualified applicants in place already. The response I got back from them within 20 mins was as follows: "Your application has been terminated.".
Despite not getting the program I had hoped for, I am still glad to have gone through the process. It really helped me define the importance of the sabbatical and reinforced that although things don't always go according to plan, they do all happen for a reason.
I may not be working with Kiva, but I am still participating in a couple of volunteer programs in Africa. Check out the programs I am joining.
I applied for the Kiva Fellows Program in October. Kiva is a US charity that works with microfinancing organizations around the world. As a Fellow, you are sent into a region where Kiva has microfinancing relationship. Your role is to support the microfinancing organization in its efforts with its entrepreneurs and with their relationship with Kiva.
My application was approved and I was asked to engage in several tasks; including setting up a blog space on Wordpress, developing a budget and providing a writing sample. As a Fellow, you are responsible for interviewing entrepreneurs and providing written updates on their process via the Kiva site. Plus you are expected to blog about your overall experience on the Fellows Blog. The posting on the blog were a major factor in my decision to apply for the program. The descriptions provided by the Fellows were compelling and gave great insights into the world of overseas volunteerism. I was convinced that this program was aligned with what I wanted my sabbatical to be about. Plus with the 10 week commitment required, I would be able to balance my time with volunteer programs and travel. If accepted into the program, I would start my travels in San Francisco in January for training and then move straight into my placement.
During the application process, I kept being reminded what it is like to work with non-profit organizations. With all the best intentions, most programs I have been involved with are not always run smoothly. For Kiva, they required me to have two phone interviews; one with a previous Fellow and one with the Fellow's Program Director. In both cases, the initial interviews were missed, with little or no explanation. Both times, I need to reach out and reconnect with the group to set up alternative times. I was (and still am) very understanding and forgiving for these missed steps in the process. However, I did wonder if these set backs were simply early lessons in how to work with the microfinancing organizations or with Kiva itself. Also, it seemed that the only time I was contacted by Kiva about the next step in the process was when I was proactive and sent a note inquiring about my application status.
I had requested that my placement be in Africa or Southeast Asia. As it turns out, Africa is the most competitive region, and by the time my final interview took place, there were no longer any African placements. I was offered Cambodia, Somoa or Azerbaijan. I had difficulty with offer, because I had put so much hope and expectation into getting a placement in Africa. I was not prepared to spend that much time in Somoa. Although it is suppose to be a beautiful island, not being able to travel easily to other places during my program, was not going to work for me. I wasn't even sure where Azerbaijan was when it was first suggested to me. I seriously had to look it up on a map. And for those of you who know me well, that is unusual. Given its location and my lack of understanding of the place, I thought it would be a big stretch for me to spend almost 3 months of my sabbatical in a place I hadn't even considered to travel to. Finally, Cambodia was a tough review. I had said that I would consider going to a placement in Southeast Asia. In preparing for this overall trip, I had had many discussions with people who had taken similar trips. Most of them had spent some time in Southeast Asia. Almost all of them recommended Cambodia as a place to visit, but wouldn't suggest staying there for any prolonged period of time. I have heard of several horror stories of people getting very very ill in Cambodia. I didn't want the beginning of my year long trip to be marred by a serious illness.
Having gone through the whole process, in the end, I had to turn it down. And the final interaction with Kiva was again a sign that I wasn't meant to participate at this time. I sent the Director a note explaining that I wasn't going to be able to joining the three placements they had offered, but that I wished them great success and hoped that in the future any application I might want to enter would be accepted without issue. I also congratulated them on having so many qualified applicants in place already. The response I got back from them within 20 mins was as follows: "Your application has been terminated.".
Despite not getting the program I had hoped for, I am still glad to have gone through the process. It really helped me define the importance of the sabbatical and reinforced that although things don't always go according to plan, they do all happen for a reason.
I may not be working with Kiva, but I am still participating in a couple of volunteer programs in Africa. Check out the programs I am joining.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A bittersweet reveal
Earlier this week, my boss had confirmed for me that my Leave of Absence was going to be approved. Which is great to know and I have to appreciate the speed at which he was able to turn this around. Now came a even harder part... telling my team that I was leaving.
Quite a few of the individuals on my team I have worked with for many many years. Some have only had to put up with me for a couple of years, but nonetheless, we are a close group. I believe we are probably the most intact group in Rogers Cable Marketing. Not that we haven't seen our share of battles and close calls. For those on the team that were around during the @Home / Excite days, we have seen a lot unfold. Throughout it all, we have managed to keep the work interesting and challenging enough to make it worthwhile. And now I am going to be removing myself from all of that. My comfort zone.
It is an unbelievable feeling to know you can depend on the people around. I know the skills of my team better than I know my own some days. They are an incredible group that can jump into any project. E-Channels prides itself on showing up everyday to participate at any level and with the least level of politics. We just do what needs to be done.
As I told the team, barely holding back the tears again, the look of shock and surprise around the table was very evident and quite overwhelming for me. Seriously, there were gaping mouths and furrowed brows. But that all quickly gave way to support and excitement for me. The first order of business was checking the calendar to pick a date for a farewell party. Got to love this team! They have their priorities.
Over the next few days, many of them came by my desk to dig deeper into my plans and express their excitement. I think they all know this is the right thing for me to do. I will miss them all so much. They have been a family to me in so many ways. It has been a privilege to work with them over my tenure at Rogers. I have taken so much more from my experience with them than they will likely ever know. I can only hope that in the years to come we can reunite in some form or fashion.
E-Channels rules!
Quite a few of the individuals on my team I have worked with for many many years. Some have only had to put up with me for a couple of years, but nonetheless, we are a close group. I believe we are probably the most intact group in Rogers Cable Marketing. Not that we haven't seen our share of battles and close calls. For those on the team that were around during the @Home / Excite days, we have seen a lot unfold. Throughout it all, we have managed to keep the work interesting and challenging enough to make it worthwhile. And now I am going to be removing myself from all of that. My comfort zone.
It is an unbelievable feeling to know you can depend on the people around. I know the skills of my team better than I know my own some days. They are an incredible group that can jump into any project. E-Channels prides itself on showing up everyday to participate at any level and with the least level of politics. We just do what needs to be done.
As I told the team, barely holding back the tears again, the look of shock and surprise around the table was very evident and quite overwhelming for me. Seriously, there were gaping mouths and furrowed brows. But that all quickly gave way to support and excitement for me. The first order of business was checking the calendar to pick a date for a farewell party. Got to love this team! They have their priorities.
Over the next few days, many of them came by my desk to dig deeper into my plans and express their excitement. I think they all know this is the right thing for me to do. I will miss them all so much. They have been a family to me in so many ways. It has been a privilege to work with them over my tenure at Rogers. I have taken so much more from my experience with them than they will likely ever know. I can only hope that in the years to come we can reunite in some form or fashion.
E-Channels rules!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Sound of Music goes great with pizza
This past Saturday, my close friend and I had tickets to see the stage production of The Sound of Music. We had watched the reality series "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" to one degree or another, and were eager to see how they would bring this classic film to life on stage.
[Spoiler Alert - you intend to see the play, you might want to skip down a bit]
Some people in the group were a bit disappointed, as the program strayed a bit from the film. Songs were placed in different places and some scenes were cut altogether. Plus, I am certain there was a whole new song added in. The biggest outrage seemed to come from the fact that during the Thunderstorm scene in Maria's bedroom, the iconic song "My Favourite Things" was swapped out for "The Lonely Goatherd". We had heard "My Favourite Things" earlier in the performance, but this change sent murmurs through the audience. I got the full force of my friend Celia saying in my ear, "This isn't right, this isn't the right song". At the intermission, our other friends, who had seats on the floor below us, called us to express there outrage as well. It is always a tricky thing to bring a foundational piece like this to another medium.
I was absolutely amazed by the set design. That aspect of a production, if done right, becomes another cast member. In this case, there should have been a round of applause given to the designers at the end of show. These enormous pieces slide around the stage effortlessly to create intimacy for the garden flirtation between Rolf and Liesl and a mountain side came down from the rafters to provide the expansive vista for Maria to twirl around on. During one of the last scenes at the music festival, the whole theatre became enrobed in Nazi imagery with flags unfurling from the sides and a huge banner being pulled over the ceiling. There were plenty of gasps when all of this began to appear. I think the reaction was more a sense of revolution for these symbols suddenly all around us, instead of the of marvel how they got there so quickly. I know I had a chill in me as giant swastikas were waving overhead. But that is what a great production does - it puts you in the mix and draws you into that time and place.
For my money, this was an excellent production. Well worth the price of a ticket. The only real turn off for me was at the end in the abbey as the Von Trapps are trying to flee the country. But I won't go into details, you'll have to see it for yourself.
[Spoiler Alert finished]
After the show, we decided to hit the newest addition to our local culinary delights - Pizza Libretto. Oh... My... God!!! I am not a pizza aficionado by any means, but the food was unbelievable. We got there at 5:00ish and got a seat no problem, but within 30 mins the place was packed and the line up was starting to queue out the door.
I had the Bison Carpaccio, Wild Mushroom Bruschette, and Home-made Sausage Pizza. All of it was incredible. Pizza Libretto claims to be real Neapolitan Pizza. Having never had pizza in Naples (yet), I can't honestly say if this is true or not. But I can tell you that this was fantastic food. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you give it a try.
[Spoiler Alert - you intend to see the play, you might want to skip down a bit]
Some people in the group were a bit disappointed, as the program strayed a bit from the film. Songs were placed in different places and some scenes were cut altogether. Plus, I am certain there was a whole new song added in. The biggest outrage seemed to come from the fact that during the Thunderstorm scene in Maria's bedroom, the iconic song "My Favourite Things" was swapped out for "The Lonely Goatherd". We had heard "My Favourite Things" earlier in the performance, but this change sent murmurs through the audience. I got the full force of my friend Celia saying in my ear, "This isn't right, this isn't the right song". At the intermission, our other friends, who had seats on the floor below us, called us to express there outrage as well. It is always a tricky thing to bring a foundational piece like this to another medium.
I was absolutely amazed by the set design. That aspect of a production, if done right, becomes another cast member. In this case, there should have been a round of applause given to the designers at the end of show. These enormous pieces slide around the stage effortlessly to create intimacy for the garden flirtation between Rolf and Liesl and a mountain side came down from the rafters to provide the expansive vista for Maria to twirl around on. During one of the last scenes at the music festival, the whole theatre became enrobed in Nazi imagery with flags unfurling from the sides and a huge banner being pulled over the ceiling. There were plenty of gasps when all of this began to appear. I think the reaction was more a sense of revolution for these symbols suddenly all around us, instead of the of marvel how they got there so quickly. I know I had a chill in me as giant swastikas were waving overhead. But that is what a great production does - it puts you in the mix and draws you into that time and place.
For my money, this was an excellent production. Well worth the price of a ticket. The only real turn off for me was at the end in the abbey as the Von Trapps are trying to flee the country. But I won't go into details, you'll have to see it for yourself.
[Spoiler Alert finished]
After the show, we decided to hit the newest addition to our local culinary delights - Pizza Libretto. Oh... My... God!!! I am not a pizza aficionado by any means, but the food was unbelievable. We got there at 5:00ish and got a seat no problem, but within 30 mins the place was packed and the line up was starting to queue out the door.
I had the Bison Carpaccio, Wild Mushroom Bruschette, and Home-made Sausage Pizza. All of it was incredible. Pizza Libretto claims to be real Neapolitan Pizza. Having never had pizza in Naples (yet), I can't honestly say if this is true or not. But I can tell you that this was fantastic food. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you give it a try.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Phew - Glad that's over
Well I did it ... I spoke to my boss and gave in my letter of intent for a 12 month Leave of Absence. Gulp!
It was an interesting day. I, of course, had not slept much the night before. Too many scenarios rolling through my sleep deprived mind about getting thrown out of the office on my tush for even having uttered the words "Leave of Absence".
My calendar had started out pretty empty, but began to fill up with meetings and calls. I managed to pass the time without freaking out too much. I had my files in order, I had my cheat sheet of notes to help me direct the conversation, I had my conviction.
By late afternoon, I have just one more meeting to get through. I have no idea what was discussed in that meeting, if I had any action items to follow up on, or if they were asking me to stand on my head and spit nickels. I was so checked out I am surprised I managed to stay sitting up right in my chair. I dashed out early to collect my documentation and have one last bathroom pit stop.
My boss was caught completely off guard, but he was a real trooper. He didn't hesitate or get side tracked with my somewhat wet delivery of the news. He patiently waited until I got through all my notes and description. He waited while I pulled myself together. He even waited while I whipped out the HR documentation to show that I wasn't making any of this up. He simply said that he would do whatever he could to see this through and that he understood my need to regain a sense of balance in my life. Wow - in all my scenarios I didn't see this going as well as it did. I was really grateful for all the preparation I had done to position my request, but in the end it was so much easier than I thought. And such a weight off my shoulders. Phew!!!
It was an interesting day. I, of course, had not slept much the night before. Too many scenarios rolling through my sleep deprived mind about getting thrown out of the office on my tush for even having uttered the words "Leave of Absence".
My calendar had started out pretty empty, but began to fill up with meetings and calls. I managed to pass the time without freaking out too much. I had my files in order, I had my cheat sheet of notes to help me direct the conversation, I had my conviction.
By late afternoon, I have just one more meeting to get through. I have no idea what was discussed in that meeting, if I had any action items to follow up on, or if they were asking me to stand on my head and spit nickels. I was so checked out I am surprised I managed to stay sitting up right in my chair. I dashed out early to collect my documentation and have one last bathroom pit stop.
My boss was caught completely off guard, but he was a real trooper. He didn't hesitate or get side tracked with my somewhat wet delivery of the news. He patiently waited until I got through all my notes and description. He waited while I pulled myself together. He even waited while I whipped out the HR documentation to show that I wasn't making any of this up. He simply said that he would do whatever he could to see this through and that he understood my need to regain a sense of balance in my life. Wow - in all my scenarios I didn't see this going as well as it did. I was really grateful for all the preparation I had done to position my request, but in the end it was so much easier than I thought. And such a weight off my shoulders. Phew!!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
From hell to hallelujah
Oh how a day can shift between hellish to glorious in a matter of minutes - or in this particular case, in a matter of location.
Today was one of the most horrific days I have had in my recent years at work. The politics and bullshit reached a new all time high, with very few people appearing to give a damn. There was not a single incident that caused a fallout, but rather just a series of somewhat unrelated meetings, conference calls and drive by rants that coalesced into a steaming pile of crap. I wish I could say "boy will I be glad when I am away from all this mess", but the fact of the matter is it will be happening to someone else; probably someone I know and who doesn't deserve it.
All I could do was drag my tensed up body and battered brain home and hope I didn't mow down any unsuspecting pedestrian on my way in a fit of road rage.
I arrived at home and flicked on my computer. I had failed to check my personal email at work since I was battling the legions of moronic social degenerates all day. With all there is on the go regarding my sabbatical, I have to check in regularly to see what progress may have been made.
Hallelujah - a chorus of angels sing and all of a sudden the world seems a brighter and more compassionate place. I have received confirmation from Kiva that they want me to move forward with the application process. I had not expected this so soon. In fact they had send a note early in the weekend to say it could take as long as 4-6 weeks. Whoo Hoo! I am on my way to micro-financing the world - or at least a small part of it.
Next, I pick up a note from a lovely gentleman inquiring about my bookshelf on Craigslist. After several "Is it still available?" notes from looky-loos, I finally had a solid candidate. With a quick reply to him and an even quicker response back, he was on his way over to check out the piece with cash in hand. Within less than an hour he had arrived, given the shelves the once over, negotiated me down from $40 to $35 and pop the whole thing in his car. Transaction complete! Ah - you got to love the whole simplicity of Craigslist. All hail Craig!
I know a few emails and a small cash transaction may not seem like much, but they managed to wipe away the bile of the rest of the day and remind me that there are purer things in life than work - and I am about to put my entire life into the flow of those other things. Hang on tight!
Today was one of the most horrific days I have had in my recent years at work. The politics and bullshit reached a new all time high, with very few people appearing to give a damn. There was not a single incident that caused a fallout, but rather just a series of somewhat unrelated meetings, conference calls and drive by rants that coalesced into a steaming pile of crap. I wish I could say "boy will I be glad when I am away from all this mess", but the fact of the matter is it will be happening to someone else; probably someone I know and who doesn't deserve it.
All I could do was drag my tensed up body and battered brain home and hope I didn't mow down any unsuspecting pedestrian on my way in a fit of road rage.
I arrived at home and flicked on my computer. I had failed to check my personal email at work since I was battling the legions of moronic social degenerates all day. With all there is on the go regarding my sabbatical, I have to check in regularly to see what progress may have been made.
Hallelujah - a chorus of angels sing and all of a sudden the world seems a brighter and more compassionate place. I have received confirmation from Kiva that they want me to move forward with the application process. I had not expected this so soon. In fact they had send a note early in the weekend to say it could take as long as 4-6 weeks. Whoo Hoo! I am on my way to micro-financing the world - or at least a small part of it.
Next, I pick up a note from a lovely gentleman inquiring about my bookshelf on Craigslist. After several "Is it still available?" notes from looky-loos, I finally had a solid candidate. With a quick reply to him and an even quicker response back, he was on his way over to check out the piece with cash in hand. Within less than an hour he had arrived, given the shelves the once over, negotiated me down from $40 to $35 and pop the whole thing in his car. Transaction complete! Ah - you got to love the whole simplicity of Craigslist. All hail Craig!
I know a few emails and a small cash transaction may not seem like much, but they managed to wipe away the bile of the rest of the day and remind me that there are purer things in life than work - and I am about to put my entire life into the flow of those other things. Hang on tight!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
FRAUD!
For the past several weeks I have been feeling like such a fraud. I am sitting in countless 2009 planning meetings with the biggest secret just wanting to burst from my lips. I am trying to focus on all the elements that need to go into a comprehensive portal strategy and all the while I am dying to say - "but I won't be here". Don't get me wrong - I do actually care (a great deal) that the right portal strategy gets developed and put into place - I want to have a great program to come back to. But at the moment... there are some other pressing issues on my mind.
This is a really strange feeling for me. I am usual pretty good about being able to compartmentalize information. But as the days roll past I am feeling like my secret is developing into a lie. I keep checking my forehead for the words "fraud" or "liar".
It is really really tough to be planning programs with my direct team. They are an amazing dedicated group (you know who you are) and I am going to rock their world with my news.
I have decided that I can't wait much longer. The Rogers policy says I need to give at least 4 weeks notice for a Leave of Absence. I can't wait that long - nor do I think it would put me in good standing with anyone I need to remain in good standing with. I think that 2-3 months is more appropriate, especially when you consider some of that time will be over the Holiday season.
So here is goes... the truth will come out on Oct 30, 2008. Cross your fingers (and toes if you have the flexibility), send me all your good thoughts and pray my karma is in the black on that day.
God - I hope I don't cry ... or worse... puke!
This is a really strange feeling for me. I am usual pretty good about being able to compartmentalize information. But as the days roll past I am feeling like my secret is developing into a lie. I keep checking my forehead for the words "fraud" or "liar".
It is really really tough to be planning programs with my direct team. They are an amazing dedicated group (you know who you are) and I am going to rock their world with my news.
I have decided that I can't wait much longer. The Rogers policy says I need to give at least 4 weeks notice for a Leave of Absence. I can't wait that long - nor do I think it would put me in good standing with anyone I need to remain in good standing with. I think that 2-3 months is more appropriate, especially when you consider some of that time will be over the Holiday season.
So here is goes... the truth will come out on Oct 30, 2008. Cross your fingers (and toes if you have the flexibility), send me all your good thoughts and pray my karma is in the black on that day.
God - I hope I don't cry ... or worse... puke!
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