got my books!

I got my books in the mail yesterday for school. I had a moment of panic when I looked at the syllabus and said, "Holy Sh*t what did I get myself into?" Then I took a moment, began processing the work, and calmed myself down.

I have to get myself out of the mindset that this is a really big training workshop. Normally you go to one without pre-work, have some prep work before the next session, maybe a demonstration of the transfer of knowledge in some sort of presentation, and then it's all over. Now I have to start writing papers again, in the standard APA sytle.

But I can do it, the shock has worn off. I have about 5 chapters to read in both books, and a 5 minute presentation due on my first day on a challenge that I think is upcoming in my field, complete with a 1-page handout. I also have to post my resume on blackboard and do a few additional article readings on there.

What I'm worried about is one of the 2nd assignments due during the 2nd class meeting. It's another 5 minute presentation on what types of ethical situations that I think are going to challenge me to be ethical. I say this, because maybe I'm just not self-aware, but I don't think I have any.

I learned a long time ago that people in my family don't get a break. If it's raining in the neighborhood, it's hailing directly on my house. Murphy's Law follows us around like glue. I won't go into the whole bit about choosing our attitude and learning to have humor about it... but I have learned to always do the right thing, because if anyone would get caught not doing the right thing, it would be me.

I'm literally the type who would walk 5 extra blocks with blisters on my feet because I don't have permission to cut through some one's yard, and they aren't home for me to ask. I stand in line and wait my turn, even though everyone else is cutting in line. I'll give someone the last cupcake, even though I haven't had any, and they had 4.

I don't mess with Karma - that is some nasty stuff! So I stay out of trouble with it by doing the right thing. I've gotten my hand figuratively burnt a few times when I was younger by doing something that everyone else told me would be okay, but it just so happened that on the day that I finally gave in to do it, I got caught.

I'm not perfect, but I don't see myself getting caught up in any of the ethical dramas that run crazy in the media. I'm not going to embezzle, discriminate, alienate, give bad press, or throw my coworkers under the bus for my own gain.

But the whole point of the program and why it's taught this way is in fully understanding yourself, and how you show up to consulting situations. There are people out in the world looking for a quick buck over the client, and I know some people who may seem like they have the best intentions in mind in the field, but would engage in unethical behavior. But these people won't necessarily share their hidden agenda out in the open like that either.

What exactly is she looking for in that assignment? Oh well, I guess it will unravel as I get more and more into it....

coming back

I'm having a really hard time adjusting to being back to work this week. Okay, that's a lie, I adjusted just fine, but I've never felt it like this before.

When I normally travel I never lose contact with my work life. I have my blackberry, internet access, and cell phone, and have been known to field calls on my days out of the office, even though I'm no longer in charge of the elearning operation at my organization.

But this time I let it all go. I didn't take my blackberry, and with international rates and billing prices for internet use, I didn't touch any technology. Everything that I know is normally stored in my head (I'm slowly making files)and can recall it at the tap of a finger, but with letting it all go, I didn't even think about work all week. So it's taking me a few minutes to actually recall conversations from before my vacation... when normally I can repeat them word for word.

It's interesting to lose control like that. I'm not sure if I like it or not, but I guess that is what total relaxation is. I could get used to it! hehe:) But then I'd get bored and find myself back at work again! But vacation is needed, and I joyfully take my time off and use it - but it has just been an odd experience to be totally relaxed for an entire week.

I met with my problem-child client this morning. Actually the entire one station of the department. This was my first of the mandatory meetings that they are participating in as a team. I walked in loaded for bear. I had all the heavy ammo: the Ground Rules (adopted from the "Skilled Facilitator"), all the specific data of inappropriate behavior to call them on, the power of Corporate not tolerating said behavior behind me, and a flip chart. I even had a team of enforcers (administration) sitting to the side, waiting to back any of the judgements I'd make on performance and to hold them accountable. I had myself prepared if I had to escort a physician out into the hallway and give them a dressing-down on their behavior. I was ready!

I didn't need any of it.

They forgot to mention to me that they started me out with their best station that actually only has superficial process problems, and they all get along well! So, I had a pleasant hour and 1/2 meeting with them, where we talked about all that was going well, and some areas to improve around. One physician even promised to stop scheduling patients during the lunch hour, so the MAs could take their lunch. You would think that's common sense, but apparently not. But that was the most heinous of actions being committed.

Next week.... not so much. I go from one extreme to the complete opposite, and the offending physician in this group has already tried to wiggle out of the meeting. He knows what's coming, and he's not going to like it. But he's going to have to man-up and handle it. I'll have to get the ammo ready again; this time I'll need it.

I've mentioned the Skilled Facilitator a lot recently. I even recommended the book to a friend-of-a-friend who has a slight victim mentality, and isn't having productive conversations to get his needs met. The piece that I really enjoy is the first ground rule about testing assumptions and inferences and the fourth about sharing your reasoning and intent. When I had my break-up conversation with my ex, I went over to his place to talk the day after he broke up with me, I used all 9 of the ground rules. They are really helpful not only in the workplace, but in every interaction with other humans. But, we aren't brought up speaking in that way, so it almost feels unnatural at first. After practicing it becomes human nature, like most other things. Personally I think the formula should be used in relationship counseling, it really works wonders.

Acheron

What a tragic hero!

I've been reading the much awaited "Acheron" in the Dark Hunter series by Sherilynn Kenyon, and I love it. Actually, I read about 75% of the hard-back last night, and I was almost late for work while reading it this morning getting ready.

I started reading her books by accident, as something interesting I stumbled upon one day in the Romance section of my local B&N. Only a few were out in the series at the time, and I quickly devoured them to catch up.

Her books can be read independently, but to fully grasp the concept of the severity of everything happening in the plot line, it's best to read all of them. She, and Laurel K. Hamilton, in my humble opinion, hold the records for creating the best versions of alternate reality. The books are set in contemporary times with a lot of humor, smart-ass wit, and kick-ass action.

The Dark Hunter series, which would take me forever to explain the ins-and-out of, is based on a set of immortal men who are sworn to protect humans, and no one knows who/what they are. The entire story stemmed from, which I learned in this book, the fear/jealousy of a set of triplets who happened to be the Fates. Their words set a path in motion for the most heart-wrenching story. Fear, jealousy, and love drive most of the characters, often with too much power to know any better. We learn in the series what happened to Atlantis, the stories of the Greek gods, and how love always wins - but sometimes with a price.

The tragic hero in all of this, Acheron, is my current fictional crush. If there is a man out there like him, please come find me! hehe :)

my knickers are in a twist!

It's not even 2pm yet, and people already have my stress level elevated.

I had over 120 emails to review, and one really irked my nerves. It was from my boss' boss, which turfed a question to me that the lady who sent the email wasn't even asking. The lady wanted to know what the mandatory online modules are, not who to get to assign them to their employees in the system! READ PEOPLE!

Then I ran into some victims...

My patience is thin for self proclaimed victims. Nothing irks me more than someone singing "whoa is me" and hosting their own pity party. Please, do you know what I had to overcome to be who I am today? Shall we get into my parents bad marriage, my family living pay-check to pay-check most of my life, my mother's codependency, my blue-collar redneck neighborhood, and my family's lack of regard for advanced education or that there is life outside of Middle River and Dundalk? How about my crazy skin that burns from walking outside, my need to wear glasses or I'm blind, and shall we talk about my weight problem? How about that I'm missing teeth? Yeah, I wasn't born with all of them, and I'll never have them!

Yet here I am, singing "who are the people in my neighborhood" with glee, as I cheerfully skip from project to project, life lesson to life lesson, trying to make the best out of every situation.

Grow a pair and get over yourself people! Don't wait for someone else to come along and do it - be YOUR OWN MAGIC WAND!

Lost pictures!

I was able to get the photo lab to fix my mixed-up CD that they burned for me, and have the rest of the pictures posted below. These are more of Horseshoe Bay, Tobacco Bay, and the Glass-Bottom Boat ride.

I've sweet talked my friend Ryan into planning a 30th birthday cruise for us next year - as our birthdays are only a few days apart. We'll be celebrating somewhere, and of course, we'll do it up big! That's just how we roll! If anyone is interested in going with us, let me know, and I'll include you in the planning.

I still feel a slight rocking left over from my week on the boat, it hits me at the oddest times. Hopefully I'll have my land-legs about me in time for bowling on Tuesday.

I don't even want to get on the scale on Tuesday for the weekly weigh-in. I was good the first 2 days at sea, with going to the gym every morning, and doing laps around the walking track... but I know that food killed me. I also got a lot of exercise walking around Bermuda as everything is up - but not my normal 16 mile daily bike rides. I'm used to eating small meals, not 3 courses at every sitting - hopefully the damage won't be too bad!

Back to work tomorrow.... blah!

Bermuda Album 3

Back from Bermuda!

We made it home! Although I wish I was still on the pink sand beaches of Bermuda!

This vacation was part of my mother's 60th birthday present from me, which was her choice for vacations. We procrastinated until about June and decided to go on a cruise to Bermuda. We set sail on Saturday, August 2, and returned home this morning.

I loved it! This is my second cruise, the first on Carnival, but it was nice to be on a smaller ship (NCL Majesty), and really be able to enjoy everything on board. I have a week's worth of stories to share, but here are some of the highlights:

Things I learned about Bermuda:

- It was formed by a volcano a really long time ago, and there are 2 other similar islands about 30 miles south that never broke the surface of the Atlantic.
- It has one of the healthiest coral reef systems, and they are transplanting it to other parts of the world to help local reefs.
- It is a British Colony, and was originally used as off-shore farm land for the American colonists... but because it's made completely of limestone, farming wouldn't work, so they became ship builders.
- They do not have any fresh-water sources on the island, so they rely on rain water to supply them. They collect the rain water through limestone roof systems which purify the water.
- The American dollar and Bermuda dollar are equivalent, so you can use American money interchangeably on the island.
- The cost of living on Bermuda is extremely high! A loaf of bread is literally $5.00, and you can't buy a house for under a million (even the one room shacks).
- The average salary is roughly $60,000, but when people can finally afford their homes, they live in an attached apartment and rent the rest of the house out to pay the mortgage.
- Stores close at 5pm and open when the owner gets there.
- They are very proper and British, and do not bombard travelers with local treasures as soon as they get off of the plane/boat. You actually have to go to their shops to find local goods.
- Their famous drinks are called "Dark and Stormy" and a "Rum Swizzle". I can attest that the Rum Swizzle is amazing! But I'm not sure if I would like the Dark and Stormy as it's made with Ginger Beer (which does not taste like Ginger Ale). I tasted it during a local festival, and it has a very strong ginger taste.
- Business men really do wear Bermuda shorts and matching knee-high socks with dress shoes.
- The Port of Hamilton is closed to cruise ships, and as both of the smaller NCL ships which travel to Bermuda are being decommissioned next year, this is the last year St. George's will accept cruise ships. The ships are entirely too large to enter the Towne Cut of St. George's, and will have to dock at the Naval Dock Yard.
- The buses are actually Pink - but you take your life in your hands when you ride one. The roads are extremely narrow and winding, which makes for interesting scrapes along the sides of trees and buildings. There aren't any sidewalks in St. George's, so say a little prayer before walking anywhere.
- They drive on the left, and unless used to that, it's highly advised not to rent a scooter.
- NCL is the only cruise line that travels to Bermuda, and everywhere one turns will find matching blue and white beach towels from the ship. There are normally 3 ships in port at one time, totaling over 4000 travelers during the week.
- For a foreigner to move to Bermuda, after buying the house, setting up the roofing system, taxes, and every other fee as a non-native, the cost is roughly 11 million.

In my humble opinion, the beach alone is worth the 11 million.

Highlights from the trip on Bermuda:

- We took a glass-bottom boat, and got to see a natural turtle habitat! They would surface for air as we cruised along, which I have some pictures of. We also saw the coral reef system, and I have some pictures of that.
- We went to Horseshoe Bay with one of NCL's trips, and had a great time. They have full facilities on the beach, with rentals, showers, etc. There is a "private" lagoon off to one side protected by rocks, and then the main beach with the waves. Most of the 4000 NCL travelers made it there that day! The water is clear, except for where the current stirs up the sand, but utterly beautiful.
- Tobacco Bay is in St. George's and within walking distance of the cruise ship port. This is a larger protected lagoon, with crystal clear water, and no waves. Actually, during low tide, the water only gets to about chest level all the way out by the rocks. However, this is the first beach that walkers come to, and the strip of sand is so small by mid-afternoon one is literally sitting next to other people on the towels. This is a great spot to snorkel and I saw a lot of fish by rocks.
- St. George's hosts a street festival every Tuesday night with local crafters and entertainment, with a DJ - for dancing in the streets! They re-enact an old tradition of dunking the town nag/gossip in the harbor, and have a show from the local tribal Gombey dancers.
- Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, hosts a Harbor Nights party on Wednesdays. Larger than St. George's party, there are lots of local vendors, and great restaurants to try. We tired an Irish Pub called Flanagan's, where I had a tasty Rum Swizzle!
- The people are amazingly friendly, with saying "Good Morning" and "Good Evening" to everyone they see. They are also great at giving directions... and since our ferry back to St. George's from Hamilton was canceled due to poor weather, one gentleman even walked us to the bus terminal and assisted with navigating the bus system. And you could tell that he was doing it out of the kindness of his heart, not for money.

Highlights from the NCL Majesty:

- The food! Every meal in the dinning room has courses with fine china. There are different selections each night, plus a few standards, so there is always something new to try. It's also included with the price of the cruise, so you can pretty much eat everything and anything you want. There's a 24 hour grill and buffet on the Aft of the ship, plus a buffet at various times on the upper deck. Made to order pasta, stir-fry, waffles, omelets, desserts.... you name it, you can find it! The only things not included are the alcoholic drinks and soda.
- The cruise director's staff plans a day's worth of activities, including: educational seminars, exercise classes, games, bingo, raffles, or you can just find a nice couch to take a nap between all of the eating! (I won once at Bingo, but had to split it 14 ways!)
- We met some really great people who were retired teachers from Massachusetts. They were a riot, and always up for a good laugh.
- There's always nightly entertainment, with a comedian or magician on board, plus production shows from their crew.

Without more ramblings... here's the first set of pictures taken with the digital camera. I didn't take the digital off of the ship, except for into the Tuesday night party at St. George's. But there are some videos and pictures of various happenings!

Bermuda Album 1

This is the 2nd photo album, taken with the disposable cameras. Hind-sight is 20/20, as the clarity of the water doesn't come through as clearly as it would with my digital! (And my photo processing people owe me another CD of photos, as they made two of the same pack... more pictures to come tomorrow!)

Bermuda Album 2

Off on my vacation!

I'm heading off on my cruise tomorrow - WOOO HOOOO!

I won't be posting until I get back, which is next Saturday, August 9th. I'll have lots of pictures and fun stories to share.

Have a great week everyone!