Santa hid a geocache? http://bit.ly/hbptl8

Swim little fishy....my triathlon swimming classes http://bit.ly/hmZ1QV

Here's my write-up of the Geocache Meetup event http://bit.ly/fSch9w

Arizona IronMan 2010

12 hour adventure race report....border patrol, crazy dogs, bike crash.... http://bit.ly/bVJUYh

Geocaching news through your Nokia Ovi http://bit.ly/dzrvZQ

The statement of intention

So a friend has an item on his "bucket list" and stated I could join in his effort....an Ironman!!

I thought at first it was crazy, then thought exciting, then how much work and commitment it would be,....so a yes, then no, then maybe...

But need to make a statement of intention. Decided I will enroll (have to do so 1 year in advance) and then during training I will do at least a full triathlon and a 70.3 half ironman.
And the icing on the cake would be the full Monty. So here we go....


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A shift in thinking small

As I have grown in my career the big shift I've had to make is to think big, or end to end. Don't sweat the small stuff etc...
If I have the strategic vision as the leader then all working well.

But now I have seen a shift through the SCRUM and TPS process that it's about the bite-size work. Outline and write the small details, time bound them, and iterate on improvements to the smallest detail.

I'm finding it hard in my mind to welcome this new reality. I have lots of excuses and pushback in my mind of why this won't work.

I guess that is natural state in this big shift, but it made me realize how I thought I was open minded and welcomed change and as I have gotten older I have shifted out of this. I guess the risks of change are higher now.


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I'm looking for an experienced Xcelsius dashboard developer for a short term contract. If you know someone, please contact me direct.

You've heard of podcasts...but what about a podcache? geocache http://bit.ly/cQ5mTB

A wonderful day

Some days are just great and I'm terrible at celebrating this and remembering so thought I'd write it down.
I led a design session on 20 leaders today with complex activities that built customer empathy.
I had lots of great feedback from the participants how energetic and great I was at facilitation and going with the flow.
I was written up as an example of a leader with my mobility and career path sent to over 400 people.
And I might have found a very interesting next development step for me...Duke cross continent MBA program. Quite interesting...

Off I go back to the grind, but with an added smile to my face :)


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What I need to know about geocaching coins http://ping.fm/KYKoL

On a boat

This afternoon I am on a boat traveling around San Diego as part of team building event.
Here is my foot and Coronado Bridge.



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Location:Coronado,United States

New post: How to update your Geocaching Statistics http://tinyurl.com/255fte8

Blog update on my Earthcache find at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe http://bit.ly/bQXLzY

Blog update on my Earthcache find at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe http://bit.ly/bQXLzY

My Adventure Race Report from Bufadora, Mexico http://bit.ly/dq6hWX

Race report from La Bufadora

This weekend was a quick trip to Mexico for an adventure race hosted by Equinox.
The trip down from San Diego was a little longer than the expected 2.5 hours at a whopping 6 hours!!! Seems like alot of people head to Mexico on Saturday morning...
The little village of La Bufadora was a welcome surprise and we quickly got into vacation mode - a nice nap, walk along the pier, a beer or two, and THE best churros ever!!
Coming here with friends makes the experience something to share and stories unfolded into the night...with the promise of the next day filling all with anticipation.
So race day morning arrives and now the test starts...did we pack everything we needed? I did have a list in packing (learnt from not doing this before) which meant we had all stuff in car.
But I didn't have a 'race day pack' list. And no transition points to leave stuff - so take all that you need. Very hard to do when you don't know the landscape.

- Will it be hot or bloody hot (so more water)?
- Will it have steep uphills on hike (so take poles)?
- Will you need shoes for the kayak section (or just go barefoot or make do with wet running shoes)?
These things matter because of weight. Carrying a pack that has 1 pound of weight you didn't need can add probably 15 minutes to a short race. And carrying poles or tying shoes on the bag make it harder for manouverabilty...biking through a bush and getting poles caught is NOT fun!

So we spent too long thinking and missed the kids race. Darn - as we heard good stories about the water balloons.
Race time was coming up and we made our way to the debrief. It was in Spanish and I don't speak a word except for 'cerveza'. Barrie saw our looks of terror and produced a map and instructions in English. Hooray!!!
Standard adventure race with the 4 disciplines - kayak, hike/run, mountain bike, and orienteering. I should really add food and mental attitude as additional disciplines because they can make or break you. We tried adventure racing 4 years ago but our communication and mental attitude was to yell at eachother the whole time...not fun or successful!

Race time approached and we set up bikes near the beach and walked down the stairs to the kayak. Bangers (other team member of our bangers and mash team) quickly thought that kayaking without socks would save our feet in running in wet socks and we raced to take these off. Back to the kayak and got set off into the wave breaks with the help of the crew. Made our way to the start line where 19 teams jostled in their kayaks ranging from first timers to seasoned vets.
3 - 2 - 1 and we are off!! I started us off with a successful technique of singing the pace. Make a song that calls the numbers and some bad ryhming and off we go.
Ocean swells were quite high so had to adjust for this on the route by not keeping too close to the shore. We saw seals and jellyfish making the paddle more entertaining. Got to the cove where the checkpoint was and set the kayak ashore. Sent Bangers running up the hill to get the checkpoint.
Paddled back with even higher swells and managed a safe landing.

Transition to hike...except Equinox added a little twist. Bike to the transition point to start you hike. So 2x shoe changes. At least we had dry socks (good call Bangers!)
We were #7 in kayak so as I looked for our bike route I scanned the landscape for others. Nothing. So we started on our way but just could not find the route I was aiming for. Frustration alert!!! Found a break in a fence and took that and back on the route we needed. Phew!!

Arrived at transition. Deja vu for the shoe change. Consulted my map again and told team mate what to expect - communication is vital so team knows what to expect, can keep a lookout, and has confidence that on the right path. So I stated "we'll hug the ocean along a ridgeline" and we head off. But 3 other teams turn up the hill and no-one goes the ridgeline path.
Navigator dilemma - did I make the wrong choice? Do they know something I don't? A hard call to make - but I was confident in my choice and off we went. Bingo!!

The hike was not on a 'path' and was actually like hiking up a cliff. Yes, a 1 mile uphill cliff scramble. Except a cliff would have rocks and this was just loose gravel with cacti and bush. Slow and steady...and don't look down!!
Good tip from other was to use a branch from old cactus as a stick. Much better but it took a good 45 mins to get up that cliff. At the top was a friendly gringo smiling with a glass of water. Love ya Burt!!

Picked up checkpoint and back to transition. Biking again. Was not really looking forward to this as woefully out of practice on the bike. And I'm still trying to build up my confidence.
So we chose a path and hike-biked our way to the first checkpoint. Time was not looking in our favor with 1.5 hours left to do 4 checkpoints. We knew we could get 2 and had to choose whether to go for a 3rd. The 3rd of course would be far far away in another galaxy ... But hey if you've travelled this far for a race, then make the most of it.

So another hill climb on the hike-a-bike adventure (seeing a theme yet on this leg?) and we at least have some flat to ride on. We play a continuous game of 'hey we've seen you before" to 2 teams of Mexicans. They look like they know what they are doing (ok I lied here but it makes me feel better - and they did have fancy matching jerseys). We choose the easier of the 2 checkpoints and head back towards the water. It's now 2:40 and we are meant to be back by 3pm. Uuurrrggh not even sure we will get back in time let alone get that extra checkpoint we wanted.

Choice??? Some races will disqualify you if you miss the time so we headed back. And Barrie smiles at the finish and says "I don't even have a watch on"

Just another day in Mexico!!!

Thanks to Barrie, Steve, and Victor from Team Equinox for another fun filled adventure race. See ya next year!

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Sunday's reflections with a glass of wine and wedge salad

I have travelled back to the Bay Area for work and as I arrived I felt a sense of distance, that this place was my past and not my future.

It was odd for me as being in technology the Bay Area is THE place of many of the greats, and yet I don't feel like I have to be here to be fulfilled or successful.

I am definitely pondering what success is. As I have the "significance" in my strength finder profile - I look for opportunites that are for important events, or roles I can play that will bring the work into the spotlight. A good thing for a project needing some attention...I am your person.

Instead of the panic to have become the CEO by age 40 I find myself asking if it would be worth it? If the recent political events, and operational chaos is worth pushing for more?

Surely life's successes can be felt in other ways. I ponder this as I sit in a hotel and enjoy the qualities in life I am fortunate to have.
In this case it is a glass of wine and a lovely wedge salad.



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I was annoyed by another bank fraud alert today...to find out it's actual fraud. but now i have no visa for 7 days? c'mon bank of america..

Friday!!!

How I love Friday - the preview to the weekend, the light meeting agenda, the beer party provided at work.
Viva la Friday!

On a side note - I'm


trying out working in different types of office space - this morning is open style.


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Just downloaded the TechCrunch iPhone app...sweet! http://bit.ly/v0Nzk

Back to work

Been back to work for 2 weeks now since the big vacation.
Excited to see the team again but A shock to the system to get back into the groove of meetings, projects, meetings, deliverables, and did I mention meetings?

I think I made it harder on myself as well - by getting a puppy. A cute abandonded little puppy that needed a home where he could be loved and give his love. So I took him home and have been learning about puppies!! A big shock to the system...I think most new things, say the gym, you can ease into gradually. But a puppy is all in!! He is cute though with those big puppy eyes. And smart too learning commands within 2 weeks.

Well back to work...


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is anyone available from 9-10am PT and has a computer? we need a phone-a-friend for our challengequest treasure hunt today

Day 24 - The World Cup Final!!!

OMG!!!! It is finally here! We decided to do nothing all day except for the final - even though it does not start until 8:30pm.

So we first started at the local mall - official shirt was over $100 and we are only passive Spain supporters so instead we bought lots of stuff from the other stores like a hat, flag, stickers etc... for $40 total for both us us. Much better.

We got to the stadium at 1pm, so still hours to go. We sit on the grass and wait and have our photo taken loads!!! Wonder if we will ever see it as this is worldwide media with 700 million people watching the final.

The gates open and we go to the staging area - really well done with the corporate sponsor booths giving you things to do for a few hours. Saw the new 3D Sony tv, virtual penalty kicks which I scored 3/3!, and even a double decker party bus....

The main thing was the party bus was for the Netherland fans and there was no such thing for Spain. The Dutch fans were fantastic on their costumes and support so we joined in, met much resistance but they took pity on our need to sing and dance.



Entered the stadium at 5 for the 6:30 ending ceremony. It was really well dine with an impressive light show and special effects. Shakira doing the waka waka song was the big name for me but many other singers included.

85,000 people in the stadium- wow!!

Felt exhausted by the kick off!! Watched 2 early fan / protesters try and het on pitch...and then watched a good march between Spain and Netherlands. Not big scores for goals and too many cards but Spain proved triumphant in the extra time at 116' to have Iniesta finish it off for Spain.

Congrats to South Africa for a really great world cup hosting. The quality of the infrastructure (stadiums, roads, airports) have been above expectations and the people have been proud and excited to share their country with the world.


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Day 23 - back to south Africa

The nature vacation ends and it is back to the travel schedule.
One car to the border, swap cars to the airport, then the wonderful check in and security process of Zimbabwe (this country REALLY needs investment), a flight, then another car to the hotel.
Phew, tired just thinking about it.

I'm upset because my coat is now officially dirty!! I have to make it work for another few days...

Did meet a funny Canadian family (originally from guatamala) with the dad attending the past 8 world cups! Brought the whole family along for this one...all girls!! The best match in all that time was the England v Argentina match 8 years ago...man how I remember that one with the shame of Beckham kicking up his leg. Oooouch!

They taught us a little chant for Spain at the match...so we can join in the sing song! Ole!


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Day 22 - a true 'vacation' day

I believe true vacation days are when you sit on a lounger and read a book all day and nothing else.
Today was one of those days...the first on this vacation adventure this far.
We had a few drinks and the buffet food served 3 times a day.

I'm on my 5th book now so feeling quite chilled.

Lovely!


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Day 21 - Customer Service ...and Fishing!

Still being well fed at the Mowana lodge in Botswana. Wish I could say the same about the overall customer service and staff...
It is in the issues that happen that you see the true customer focus of a company.
Errors occur in business, in this case a booking mix up from the hotel staff. All parties want their money and are blaming eachother....with us as the customers scratching our heads. As the Mowana starts to blame us for their mistakes...that is NOT ON and does not for a relaxing vacation make.

The afternoon was a 5 hour fishing trip on the Chobe river. Check out this photo for the beauty of it.



I had a hard time switching from adreniline American to slow relaxed tourist, but it was wonderful to just sit in the sun and listen to the water, with a hippo watching us closely across the channel!!
The fisherman lived up to the staff of the Mowana - unprofessional!!! They ignored us, put a fishing rid in our hand (I had not fished and was hoping for at least a 5 minute how to and am intro on the river and the fish). The guides switched on their cell phones talking to friends, smoked cigarettes, did not come prepared with bait!!, and then ordered delivery take out on the river (cool idea) for just the 2 of them and ate in front of us! Lovely!

We did not catch anything except a couple of tiddlywinks, but did have some tug of wars and stories of "the big ones that got away" but I guess that is what they all say?!


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Day 20 - Game Drives in Botswana

Up early this morning before sunrise to catch the big cats on a game drive. And we saw an amazing sight!!
Lions had killed a buffalo the day before and were coming in to eat the kill. We arrived to see 2 lioness eating it...the sift of the blood on their face, the smell of the flesh, the noise of the cracking of the bones and ripping of skin....it was made very real that these are wild animals.

On the other side...there were very quickly 10 game drive vehicles at the site all surrounding this view...it made a "nature" experience back into the "Disneyland tourist attraction" feel again. And this is low season, so I wonder what it is like in high season?!

Returned for breakfast (pancakes and toast) followed by a delightful nap by the pool. Now this feels like vacation!


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Day 19 - Off to Botswana

A travel day today - first checking out of Zimbabwe hotel seeing the inept staff try and settle a bill. They want you to come and spend money but as none of them actually have any - exchanging money is made difficult. Bank...nope. Hotel...nope. Lovely!

Drove to border in a bus where we exchanged one car for another and off we go.

Was a bit nervous about the Mowana hotel. It's a 4* but that dies not mean much in Africa. And we had just had sooo much bad food in Zimbabwe I had actually lost weight on vacation!!

But Botswana is light years ahead of Zimbabwe. The immigration office had computers and organization vs Zimbabwe which was a hut and lots of chatter.
The fields in Botswana were being tended, with crops such as maize and bananas available. The townships had small brick and concrete houses with schools available and open. Zimbabwe seemed to only have mud huts that needed repairs, and all the fields were long past being usable or tended for crops...
A sad sight to see such a difference between 2 neighboring countries from different political rule. I wonder why the people of Zimbabwe do not revolt against the leader...they do not seem happy with their current state.

Back to vacation...hotel turned out to be great. Food is great!!!! Yeah I can eat again. I had soup and salad and some chicken for lunch followed by custard. Yes the luxury of custard!!! Yummy!!

We then went on a sunset cruise in Chobe national park to see the animals - and boy did we see them!!! It was just the 2 of us so like a personal tour as well.

Hippos in the water - and had a close run in with a mother protecting her 3 month old baby.

Elephants galore - over 150,000 in the 11,000 km park so they are everywhere and always eating. The park has tried to move some to other places but not much success yet. Sending 10,000 to Angola but the landmines killed them all. Another reminder of the leftover impacts from war...

Birds, birds, birds - storks heron kingfisher egret data...you can get sooo close to them and they don't mind.

Crocodiles, monitar lizards, kudu, impala, giraffes, and buffalo!!

It was such a breathtaking afternoon to be in what I imagined "real Africa" to be with all the animals roaming and living freely. Finished off with a gorgeous sunset that was beyond the beauty a photo could take.

Welcome to Africa!

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Boma dinner

Just reporting out on the Boma dinner - we arrived to be dressed in African dress and had our face painted.
Then you enter and are treated to some Zulu beer - horribly sour stuff :(
Appetizers of maize, sweet potato, and nuts that seem to be like chestnuts.
The dinner is a buffet dinner with a wide variety of options - ate crocodile, kudu, warthog, eland, and hubby even ate the Mopani worm! Ick!

overall left with the impression that nothing tasted that great. I have to think that it must be from the lack of resources in Zimbabwe - that the cooks are making do to get things out. For instance the orange juice at the hotel is actually 90% orange squash with a bit of juice mixed in. And the bread is all very sweet and stale rather than soft and yeasty.
I had put this all down to Africa until arriving in Botswana ...more to come.

After dinner we played the drums - a fun activity to get into. And I also had my fortune told by a witch doctor. An odd ritual to watch and a little cynical on my front but appreciative to watch a tradition.
My fortune? I am "strong like a man" with my wealth coming from my husband in 3 years, my career will be unsettled as i like to travel alot, family will have 4 kids including 2 strong boys, and a long healthy life seeing 5 grandkids grow up. Ah now he did say o would be pregant in 2 months and that I would be back to Victoria Falls at least 7 times...

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Day 18 - Busy Zimbabwe!

We had a package deal with 2 choices of activities and packed them in today. We changed our minds many times (Barbara the Thompsons rep just Loved us!)

So we started the day with a helicoptor ride around Victoria Falls. My first time in a helicoptor and it was amazing!! Short at only 15 minutes - but memorable for the views you got of one of the 7 wonders of the world.




Then we got back for a quick lunch - which must say the Victoria Falls hotel redeemed itself with food in it's lunch brae (BBQ). Great fresh meat and salad made to order and not a canned buffet.

We then went for a Lion Walk. OMG!! One of the top experiences in my life!! You are actually walking with lions, touching them, seeing them play. One even nibbled the husband's leg!! Which of course scared the crap out of him but now he uses as a badge of honor with other tourists!



Dinner is still to come for a Boma dinner - traditional food and dance at a waterholes to welcome the animals. The delicacy for tourists is a worm...will we eat it???


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Day 17 - Victoria Falls

We are staying at the beautiful Victoria Falls Hotel. It is Edwardian so ver British in it's look and feel.
Today we woke early planning to do rafting, but changed our mind last minute.
So we walked to Victorial Falls and rented a poncho, found a fee geocaches (hooray!!) and got soaking wet!!
There is a short walk from the hotel to the falls of which you ate bombarded by the local salesmen and their wares. It is a bit intimidating to me as sooo many and not willing to rake no for an answer. They play on you and say 'just need to feed kids' and willing to trade items like your shoes, shirts etc...
We bought the 10 Trillion dollar note along with others - but this is the largest note in the old currency and the treasure to find. Worth a grand old $0.60 so not retiring on this!



We finished the day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river - seeing crocodiles, elephants, and many hippos. Quite amazing to see all this nature.

Also managed to finish another book - the dragon tattoo - but it it part of a set of 3 so will I finish the rest before I return?? I rarely read leisurely at home - so it it a luxury I save for vacation.


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Day 15 - cheetahs

A very early start waking up at 3pm to get to drive 3 hours to the airport, catch a 2 hour flight, then drive another 2 hours to De Wildt Cheetah park.

Are we crazy??!! I was not sure, but the afternoon turned out to be fantastic! A guided tour with hands on close up with cheetahs, wild dogs, ostriches, monkeys, impala...



Wow!! We then had to get a lift to the Cheetah lodge which is part of the same reserve but needs a car to really get there. It is a secluded farmhouse and we were the only guests. Quite an honor!!

Ww had dinner made for us special and it was THE BEST meal we have had so far in south Africa. Probably influenced by being sick for a week, but it was simple home cooked meals of local food. Perfect.
A fresh salad, a butternut squash soup, a bomboti (?) which is a sweet meat pie with a soufflé topping, and an apple tart for dinner.
As we were the only guests, we grabbed a bottle of wine and went to the guest tv room to watch the football. A brilliant defeat of Brazil to the Netherlands.

An eat start the next day with a breakfast that matched the reputation. Elloise is the manager of the lodge and is wonderful to welcome and tell the stories of the baby cheetahs that stayed on the lodge, or of Sebastian the dalmation dog that is addicted to biltong and can find it on bags!!

Stay here!!!!



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Day 12, 13, 14 - driving in the Free State

No more football matches until the final so we rented a car and drove to the mountains in a town called Clarens.
Quite a nice drive - clean and well maintained freeway. One section where they are doing work that is completely unorganized and has a 20 minute wait, with the locals taking advantage to sell you their wares.

The hotel was nice, best of the little town. The food is terrible at every place we try. Perhaps just have 2 good places to eat instead of 20 terrible?

I've been sick on and off for 9 days now (wed-thu) and tired of it. It means food is very difficult to eat, let alone find something that will work. I've also puked up 2x as well. Started as food poison, then a cold, now think it's acid reflux. Our pharmacy spending has been the most exciting...

Feeling better after the latest fizzy stuff. Now off to de wildt to see cheetahs!!! Chirp chirp...

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Zimbabwe - Day 16 - Welcome to a 3rd world

We entered Zimbabwe today and definity noticed the difference to South Africa immediately.
The luggage was dragged out and placed in a heap in front of us.
The toilet was 1 room with a woman in it that had to hold the door shut, then has to manually flush from a bucket of water she had as there was 'no water today'.
Then going through the imigration line you needed a visa. There are no stated prices so the person looks at you and your passport and states a price. How can you really argue??

Entry fees
$70 British
$45 USA
R 750 Canadian
$30 Australian

Then we used to get a private transfer from the airport to out hotel. Now we get a crowded bus.

Driving to the hotel we saw baboons on the road, people selling their wares, and elephants crossing the road!!

Welcome to Zimbabwe!! It made me realize how far South Africa has come on their journey as a country...and again more appreciative of the modern luxuries I have in the USA.



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Day 10 - seeing the worst of south Africa

Off to rustenberg for the next round match of USA and GHA. Soots of travel with a car, plane, another car, then another car!!!
Did about 7 hours of travel for this 1 90 minute match, crazy!

We are staying at a little local place in the middle of a farm. The son picks us up and proceeds to show the white bigoted side of south Africa. It's hard to stomach this as someone from the "free world" and I'm trying to allow for this being 'normal' thinking here in many angles. But it sure is hard.
There is so much anger and blame towards everyone and everything else and yet no sense of accountability or responsibiliy to be part of the change for something better. As they yell in Afrikaans at each other you can pick up the odd word (usually swear words) and mostly the anger they have.

South Africa as a country will have a long way to go to bring this country into a more balanced economic place with this anger harvested at it's foundation.

Happy things today
Finished a book, met 3 cute happy dogs, and saw the USA play. Blessings for a good life.


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Day 9 - being sick and old

So we are in Durban for the clash of the titans - Portugal and brazil.
This was going to be an awesome match - except in reality it was 2 teams that were already through to the next round so played safe and sat out good players. And I now know what 70,000 vuvuzelas sound like on a crowd....needed the ear plugs for this one.

Can you tell I'm cranky? It's because I'm also dealing with a mild food poisoning (or something of that variety) issue. Meaning I have no energy, am dizzy, and can't eat anything that does not make me puke it up an hour later. And a home cooked meal is not an option here in hotel land.

Now I'm contending with a 1 hour line for dinner. Locals here all seem to be below age 18?! And travel in packs, don't believe in lines and just sit at tables. The places are so busy they don't notice, so all chaos ensues ....

And I'm trying to have 'plain spaghetti' or something....uuurrrggghhh!

Not a happpy camper being sick and old. When did all these Tweens arrive ??


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Day 8 - the day after

Well I celebrated pretty hard for the England and USA wins. Which meant I woke up feeling a little 'delicate' today.

We had to be out the hotel at 11 and the flight was not until 6 so we went to Port Elizabeth boardwalk and watched the ocean, the people, and the continued celebrations of England.

Here's the pier - today was the hottest so far at 24C which did not match my dressing for a 10C day!!



I also had a nostalgia moment and bought the British paper to read the news of the match and other updates in the country.



The day ended with a baggage man being a little too zealous with his job for our luggage being 3kg over the limit. And me having to make a quick dash to the toilet for a 're-hash' of the day before's adventures. :(


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So I was so proud I managed to paint a USA flag on my face....then realized I was using the mirror and it's reversed! Doh! worldcup

Driving to the USA match hearing crazy things about the park and ride system.we'll just imagine LA traffic worldcup

I now know what 70,000 vuvuzelas playing sounds like. Terrible! Glad I brought earplugs!

Going to POR vs BRA match today in Durban. Exciting!! But dealing with case of food poison at same time. Not fun! worldcup

Day 7 - football gods shine on England and USA

We wake up with the big match / final Group C games where it will be final who goes through to the next round.
The odds were good that ENG and USA should go through but the earlier games were poor and it was all to play for in this group.

We went to Port Elizabeth stadium dressed to impress and to sing our hearts out for England. We used the blackberry to check status updates on Team USA.




The vuvuzela was ready to be played - musicallly to the England chants.



The stadium had 38,000 fans in it and it was 37,500 English supporters. Quite a sight that so many travelled to support the team.



They did not disapoint and brought their hearts and passion to the pitch!!! And they won / so though to next round.

Then as we left stadium dejected for USA as it was a draw at 90' we saw a goal had been scored in extra time?! For real???
Woo-hoo USA are through as well!!!

Boardwalk was kickin with fans that night all having fun and congratulating eachother on the success!!


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Day 5 - the end of the world

Most of the day was at La Colombe but we also went to see penguins in Simon's town and drove to the end of the world...

The beaches have the granite with magma infused crystals....quite a site to see the start of the world millions of years ago and the end of the world in it's point in one day.


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BTW if you play the vuvuzela like a posthorn than all is well in the stadium. worldcup

OMG!!! England pulled it off and the so did USA in extra time!! The next round is going to be fun to watch! worldcup

Day 6 - Port Elizabeth

Travel early to the next city and next match. This town is not quite as appealing as Cape Town.

So we took up the offer to go to Addo Elephant park and have a viewing of many animals.

What a beautiful sight of the majestic elephants.



Finished the day on the Fan Fest park - a way to provide a free central area for locals and visitors to watch the matches of the day. In this case Bafana Bafana were playing their final match - so the national pride was out in full force! Quite an experience.

We finished the night getting in a taxi not knowing where our hotel was in the city, and neither did our taxi driver....blind leading blind!! We made it back safely and now happily enjoying an Internet that works.


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Watching south Africa play their final match at fifa fan fest. It's madness with people and dancing and vevuzelas!

Lunch at La Colombe

One of the top 50 restaraunt in the world and we got a lunch booking. Here's what we had.



APPETIZER
Springbok tataki - the best of the starters with intense and well balanced components of meat, goat cheese, and sun dried tomatoes

Quail & languistine fricasse - unable to taste the distinction of the langustine to the prawn due to the heavy balance of pairing to a quail. The quail was superb in it's preparation with a crispy skin and succulent breast.



Warm salad of prawns and sweetbreads - my first time on a new food so although the flavor of the sweetbread was lovely it was difficult to get over the texture and mind thinking of what this is. So I stuck to the prawn with the lovely flavors.

MAIN
Fillet of chalmar beef - sold as an African beef that was simar to Kobe, I was excited at this dish. However this meat as well below par of a fillet let alone holding it to the standards of Kobe. The meat was medium rare but was still tough and stringy and not the buttery melting flavor expected.


Springbok and foie gras - overall enjoyable with an intense game flavor, pairing this with a fig was ideal. Foie gras execution was below the anticipation with the piece being sinewy and cold.




DESSERT

Quatro desert - sold as a apple tart this was actually 4 deserts, with tea gellee, chocolate encased with custard, and the best of the bunch at a raspberry sorbet. Yummy



Cheese plate - lovely to eatocal cheese with the cheddar and goat cheese. The european cheeses were preferred at the Brie and the Cremolat gorgonzola. Paired nicely with a peach chutney.



Summary: Great prices!! Dinner overall with wine was ~$150 for two which can't be beat for this quality. But it won't make it on the best meals of my life list.



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Day 4 - getting out to see the sights

Got up early to go out and see the sights. We planned for the sightseeing bus but then it was less to hire a car for 2 days (crazy prices here?!?!). Fun to drive a tiny little manual car in the roads here. Shows the difference to the US again here.

So we hit the town hard with Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Downtown, and the Waterfront.



We expected the day to be overcast and cold from the day before but it ended up being clear and sunny at the mountain (but still ice cold and nippy winds). Then drove into the seaside.

We had fantastic fish!! Went geocaching, and saw the local tourists. Lots of local beggars(?) taking advantage of the tourists in town - can get a bit overwhelming when 4 men converge on you at your car.

I was feeling a bit low key today -just feeling the travel, leading, organizing, and no exercise pile up from the past week...we'll see how long I can push it before I break.

Overall, nice to see a bit of cape town. Table mountain is indeed a natural wonder that has to be seen in your lifetime.


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Day 3 - Experiencing Real South Africa

Today was the day after the night before....so it was a slow start to the day. Exactly what a vacation is all about.

We then got to experience life with some old friends that live in Cape Town. They picked us up and drove us to their local pub.

We got to see the freeway, the local towns and roads, and where our friends live. It was a chance to see the non-tourist side and hear about the daily lives and politics of south Africa.

How FIFA is quite controlling about the branding for the world cup, even with little brewers on side roads. How corporate SA effectively has come to a halt during the games.

We were watching the football on tv when suddenly the channel was changed...I was shocked because there were so many people there with their SA flags and looking at the tv. But then my friend explained that the real game of SA was about to start - rugby.

The pride in everyone singing the anthem and cheering the first few minutes of the game was inspiring.

An observation - all rugby players are white (with the fans dominated in this pub towards white) and all the football players are black. It just struck home that there are still differences in cultures and people in this country.

We then got to drop by my friends house and it was a reminder of differences to the USA (San Diego). The house had an electric gate, a security alarm service, and bars on each window. This is common in all houses and buildings. Our hotel has double layers of security as well.
It adds to the awareness that crime and safety are needed to be on a higher level of alertness.

I returned back to the comfort of my hotel and watched football...with the drive being so beautiful of Table Mountain overlooking you anywhere in the city. What a great way to navigate where you are.

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Day 2 - Fulfilling Some Life's Dreams

It's 2am in the morning and have to add this day to one of the best in my life.
I got to do 2 things on my "bucket list" or "things I want to do before I die"

(1) See England play at a World cup match (winning is just a little too ambitious)

(2) Attend a good DJ for a live Trance concert (never dreamt it would be Fat Boy Slim!!!)

Now #1 was planned on this vacation but #2 was a complete surprise!! We heard 2 guys talking on the plane about FBS playing after the match and we added to our "on arrival" list and tracked down tickets!!

The day itself was a bit of a lazy one trying to catch up with sleep and the time zone.

And of course Football!! A day of shockers I think with Germany losing to Serbia!?
We dressed up and went to the local for the USA match with many people staring at us - no other US fans?? Then seeing the drama of a 2-2 draw with being robbed the 3rd US goal!!



Finally going to the England match live in a stadium of 64,100 people with 80% British fans. It was such a buzz as a fan but unfortunately a poor match of soccer ending in 0-0.
Now there is going to be a mass scramble for who goes through the round. England and USA seemed certain to go through...now it might be a dream...

It was a sad walk back to the hotel...but we started to play some music for the next exciting phase.

The club was empty but soon filled up 1 hour later at 12 midnight. It was fantastic to dance and groove and sing to the music. I love trance for the beat it has, the way the rythmn and vibes can move through your veins and make you tingle.

Fat boy slim was worth it - a master at work! We danced at the front and were on the video of fans and danced some more...

I've returned back now reliving the day and the moments that made this one of the best in my life. This is what life is about - living the best moments!


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The Ultimate Travel Accessory

I'm in the middle of a 30 hour travel marathon that involves 3 planes, 5 cities, and lots of sitting around.

So in planning this travel I needed to get the ultimate travel accessory to satisfy AND delight me.

Is it a Book? Puzzles? Music? (I did bring all of these but so far there are not the big hit...)

Ready .... It's the Snuggie!!! Yes, a soft pink blanket with arm holes in it. It's big enough to cover your feet and your shoulders and sooooo soft that sleeping is almost easy in any cramped spot you can find.

I am even writing this article sitting in the Snuggie because the arms are free (and still warm).

So now you know the Ultimate Travel Accessory.





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Arriving in Cape Town

Well it's now been 2 days or 48 hours on the official clock that have passed but less than 40 when you knock down the time change.

So what are the first impressions of South Africa? I know I'm only seeing the front tourist end with airport staff, taxi drivers, and hotel greeters - but very much like any welcoming international city. Smiles and courteous and willing to help.

I have to say I'm a little nervous as a Yank. I am spoiled by the expectations that money and this nation brings. South Africa only just broke apartheid 15 years ago and it takes generations for this to level out a nation's economy and culture.
Plus when the printed guide books state very clearly "don't go out at night" and "don't go anywhere alone" and there is a " high rape crime rate" ...I pause a little at embracing a tourist exploratory nature.

But arriving at midnight to this gorgeous hotel apartment room is just wonderful. Looking forward to this stop for the next 5 days.




Let's just hope England and USA win their matches tomorrow...


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Omg!! At this rate ALG and SVN are going to go thru and not ENG and USA!

When did a US beer Bud become the only choice at soccer? They don't hardly love the game..

This is unreal I am at the cape town ENG worldcup game 2 dayz ago I was at work! Hello intuit!

Another earthquake....how come I live in san Fran and have nothing for 5 years, then 4 in san Diego in past year?

Well I guess 1 pt is better than none. But walking away worried about England's chances....

I'm liking the look of Johnson for England. He's setting up good chances...just got to convert worldcup ENG

Are you serious??? This is the shame of England to let that happen. I bet Capello regrets not playing James worldcup

G-O-A-L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tv is showing the 1-0 score of USA v England from 1950!! And I thought it was cheeky that England hold on to winning in 1966...

Go Eng-ger-land!!!! It's going to be 3-0 easy with Rooney as the golden boy!!

Testing out Pingle on the iPhone so I can update status on my multiple networks...

It's here....1 month of glorious FOOTBALL!!! worldcup

Anyone know an option for iPhone in South Africa for the World Cup? AT&T don't have a special so looking VERY pricey...

Ready for vacation

I am ready to have a mental break. Get away from the office and work people and get refreshed and nourish the soul.

Just trying to make sure I don't drop balls, piss off anyone, or leave a mess.

I reached out to a good friend to just IM chat today and decide how to live life. Work a 'job' and fit it passion. Or go all out for a job and passion together.
The trade offs for the factors of money lifestyle people interaction can all be important -and the easy life is hard to give up.

Ah well let's see what a nice vacation provides....


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What did I do this weekend? 9 hours and 27 miles of adventure racing! Here's my write-up:
http://bit.ly/cKdXNu

Loss in the family

After 13 years of love laughter claw marks vet visits airplane trips....my beloved Ouzo passed on.

I felt shock, then relief, the guilt, then shock, then relief all night.
Am I that heartless and unfeeling to be glad he has passed on? He was not having a good life for the past few months...

Then I wake today and just feel an overwhelming sadness and loss. Of grief and a need to retreat from the world of people.

I chose to go through the motions today but I'm sure it was noticed. The smile was fake. There was no laughter. The comments made in meetings were half-hearted at best.

I am mourning the loss of a member of my family of 13 years. Of the joy and pain he brought. Of the memories he helped to create and of those that will now form without him.

I love you Ouzo and may the next life be filled with little pink prawns and mice.


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Bangers & Mash enter the Geocaching Black Mountain Hall of Fame http://bit.ly/aQJpxg

The Emotional Accountant needs to keep the Books Balanced

Have you ever felt like your life gets out of balance? That you feel sad when you should be grateful? Or happy on a day that the rain is falling? I'm blaming my emotional accountant.

For instance, today I'm feeling so alone in this life of mine. I'm rational enough to know I'm not the only person in the world to feel alone....but yet I sit and stare out the window and ache in my loneliness. The corner where I watch the world pass me by....with people laughing and singing and dancing and being happy. The corner where I wonder why I don't feel that.

My emotional accountant is not telling me anything is out of balance so I continue sitting in my corner.

I get up from the corner of the window and move to a new corner - of the couch. I flip on the TV and become part of the fantasies that they lay out in front of me.

The teenage passionate love in Twilight - where the aching heart pines for her soul mate and nothing can console her except for a kiss from her true love.

A dinner table scene with a couple in their 60's surrounded by their 4 grown kids....will I have that? Is it a simple moment we cling to like a family dinner?

How many of those 'moments' make up happiness. For even in the TV show the dinner ended with the father in financial ruin and having an affair on his wife of 40 years. That 'moment' didn't seem to last there.

Is there a ratio of happy:sad that tips the balance? Is it 50:50 the best we can hope for? Or is the strength of those moments that make up the balance of happiness?

1 laugh = 3 smiles = 2 groans = 1 tear?

How do we keep the books on this balance? Do we have an emotional accountant that has the debits and credits lined up? Do we have quarterly review that states "Q1 was a happy quarter" or "The cash flow of happiness is drying up this quarter"?

I think my emotional accountant is telling me that I've been forgetting to keep the books....so he can't tell me which way it is....and telling me I should know. It is my life after all.

So I continue to look outside the window, feeling the warm rays of light hit my face, with the direction of the light entering my eyes so strongly that I feel my eyes water with a tear. Or is that tear one of sadness from the loneliness I feel?

Darn that accountant not keeping the internal balance right.

I just started my Life Coach sessions again....I feel so energized

A Group Manager's Life

Congratulations on becoming a group manager!

Your job is to be a problem solver for executives as in “make it go away” or “implement this idea” or “build a high performing team”

They forget to tell you that it’s also about dealing with executives that forgot the middle layer squeeze, peers that don’t want to help because it stops them getting the credit, employees that need care and feeding on a continuous basis, that timelines and expectations get shorter and shorter in a world of instant communication, and that the tools you need to do your job are always playing catch-up. Oh and one more – that you will be expected to be in meetings with all these people between 9-5pm every day….leaving you to do “the work” in your spare time.

I pride myself on someone that likes to do a lot and deliver great results on all of them. I’ve got a track record with results, awards and people that can attest to this. So why am I sitting here at 7pm at night having to write this message of despair? It surely must be my fault – something I’m not doing right? A better leader would be able to do all this and more….

Here was a day in the life of me…you decide:

Work starts at 6am when I wake up, thinking about the tasks I have to get done that day whilst I get ready. There is always such a volume of work and deadlines (strategy, 10 year vision, group plan, performance reviews, employee 1-1’s, compliance training and sign-offs….before the actual team deliverables) that it usually about “who will scream the loudest” if this isn’t done.

I roll in at 8am ready to get going. Waiting for the computer to load for 20 minutes – got to love IT security. Checking the blackberry emails while the computer loads – only 10 new issues to manage came in since I last checked. “Can you just pull this” “I got your name” “I’m a vendor with a new solution” “I’m calling in sick”. Which ones do I deal with – the little tactical issues to stem them before they snowball or the strategic items piling up as a “one day”….always a struggle.

Meetings start at 9am. First one is supporting 2 innovative solutions that could make the work of the team easier over time. But it needs investment and time from the team of “only a few hours” to make this possible. Team is at full capacity with a backlog longer than we’d ever get to. I use the ‘probing questions’ technique as the method of deflection to commit. What a great feeling!

30 mins with a peer in town to stop by – we chat about solving for workload, being told my team does not solve her needs and she’s already agreed with our boss that she’ll solve for it her own way. Should I feel thankful that this person found their own solution or incompetent that I could not provide a solution for the organization? I try to stick to the former….but if there are too many of these it becomes the latter.

3 Instant message have been popping up during this with more of those “quick question” and “can you just” conversations. Multi-tasking is the way of life. I need to pee, but that won’t happen for another 2 hours, whilst I heat up a 5 minute microwave meal.

30 minutes to decide a strategy for an emerging trend – oh and can you just make a forecast as well before tomorrow? Back of the envelope created during the meeting. But asking myself “would you want to invest and put your name and brand on this knowing you put 5 minutes in this?”….so adding a task on my list of “1 day turnaround” items that has to get done….guess I’m leaving later today.

Another meeting with another peer – this one really fun with them stating “they can’t work or talk to me until their 2 VP bosses put it on her priority list” because “I can’t do more than 5 things”. That sure is team spirit to me!

2 hours attending a staff meeting - where I get told “I’m a leader of the org but can’t attend the people discussions” “I need to attend the frontline manager training that is being offered (no-one else, just me?)” and “your team could deliver what we need in 3 years but we need it in 1, so I’m hiring people better than you”. I walk away feeling dejected as a leader that contributes anything let alone something valuable.

And of course more work added - I have 7 days to gather conduct an assessment of my team, 14 days to get their annual pay and bonus set up. Seems reasonable – even somewhat luxurious compared to most of the requests on the plate. I think of creative innovative best ways to make this experience more beneficial and a learning opportunity for the team….but soon get squashed by the idea I’ll have to do it all alone. There are thousands of managers in the same boat here….there must be solutions out there. Be quicker to just do it than to search for it. I still have all those other things to do from today…and yesterday…and be proactive about the items on the horizon…

I walk away at the end of the day just thinking…. is this a function of the person, the role, the work, or the organization? It surely must be my fault – something I’m not doing right? A better leader would be able to do all this and more….

Privacy considerations for Facebook shown by new york times http://ping.fm/7OrxG

a week can go by really fast or really slow. have to say that this week was absolutely exhausting.

Sunday - did my first triathlon - absolute high!

Monday - hubby confirmed as chicken pox, I'm home nursemaid - scared and nervous

Tuesday - chicken pox hit scary times with a near drowning incident - very scared and losing sleep

Wednesday - still nursemaid and english guests arrive needing TLC and a city tour - tired exhusted from trying to "do it all"

Thursday - nursemaid, guest relations, and attending double booked meetings for work - playing catch-up and juggling glass balls

Friday - nothing left in the tank, not seeing light at the end of this long dark tunnel

what a week....chicken pox nursemaid...glad i had it as a kid

Hooray - Intuit won best internship http://ping.fm/b0fyV

Too much!!!

Too much pressure built up...I think I blew it up today!
Tension between personality types and leadership styles came to a head today. Not my proudest moment - but had to be done. Things just don't get better if you hide them and pretend...
Just wish the other woman leader thought that way....

And then finding out a superstar is leaving. Just not enough left in my tank to take this one. I didn't break down crying but I sure felt like it - and instead of being happy and congratulatory - I was moody and sullen. Bad girl!!

Trying to focus on the happiness left in my life - doing my first triathlon this weekend and quite excited. Feeling fit and healthy and even a little tan action going on. Woo hoo!

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Exhiliration

Such a feeling of relief, happiness, excitement, sadness, fear all rushing through me at the same time...
6 months of intense work deadlines came to an end yesterday.
I get to breathe again, to think again rather than react to the latest urgent issue, to feel again rather than close off to just survive.
At the same time a fear of "what's next?" and "can I do this again?"
Heard that one person I know will not be doing this again. That's life I guess but when you are a team you bond the most in those times of Stress and pressure. So sadness prevails....




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Urban Dare Race Report from Bangers & Mash http://ping.fm/YFsrj

Urban Dare Race Report from Bangers & Mash http://ping.fm/eT8ND

Adventure Race report from Mission Trails from 'Bangers & Mash' geocachers
http://ping.fm/lXWTn

Love is what matters

As today is valentine's day I get to be spoilt by my husband.
Now this does not happen often nor every year. The past 2 years have been dark years for us with it being easier to see the faults in ourselves and eachother.
But in just the past weeks we have both been trying to embrace life for living. The fun, the adventure, the people we meet, and the way we are eachothers friend, confidant, lover, and soul mate.

I was surprised and spoiled on Friday with the most beautiful arrangement of roses and lilies. I carried it around with me all day reciting the message inside.
"you are the bang that started my universe"

Saturday was a day out combining the adventure and excitement of a race with a walk on the beach. Can you believe that san Diego in feb is 70 degrees. Wow!!! Coming back home and enjoying our gorgeous house, lying in the sun, finishing the day with a great bottle of Syrah.

After a long night of sleep (how much I need to catch up here with the work hours I'm pulling and the sickness my body has been ravaged with).

I wake up to be treated to an outdoor oasis. Photos from our 16 years together encircling a throne to sit on and be cherished. Breakfast ensued that was fit to be made by any Top Chef master!!!

Oh what it is to be loved in life! Enjoy it, treasure it, celebrate it!



A



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January life

Trying to match my personal life to my work life - which means pack in as much as Possible into a few hours.

Hiking mountains
Biking cliffs
Lost 12 pounds...think it is more stress related...


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You don't know what tired is!

Living through the busy work season. It really wears on you to be exhausted weeks upon weeks.

You question if it's worth it, your marriage pays a price, you start to snap at people, and you don't know how to stop when you have a chance to not go 100 mph.

Do you get addicted to the speed? Is it worth it?

I have an opportunity to do something else - 5 years in 1 company is a long time. But it is easy to say the grass is greener on the other side?

And yet I feel like I would be stupid to accept this current state as normal - to say it's ok to work 35 hours in 2 days every week for 20 weeks.

Should I stay or should I go?


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2010 - A whirlwind time at work

I realize how time can fly by so fast and how important it is for me to document the phases of life I go through. What I think of as normal right now turn out to be different in a matter of months...

My life at the minute is most easily described as "a whirlwind" and this image depicted it well - with the craziness but also the brilliant and positive colors.

Here's a typical workday....and seems to be the case for the next 12 weeks (tax season)

6:00am

Alarm goes off, I press snooze repeatedly and yearn for more sleep

6:45am

I have a "oh crap" moment, especially if I have a 7am meeting (yes, they happen more and more often)

6:46am

Check email for any emergencies (latest job is in an operations environment)

7:00am

Shower, weight myself (it is January after all), get dressed, run around going "I'm late" over and over again

7:15am

I've eaten something, kissed the hubby, checked email again, packing the bag with last minute items and am running out the door (of the fabulous home!)

7:30am

I'm at work (yes a great commute!), checking voice mail, email, and trying to gather my thoughts and priorities for the day before the floodgates open

8:00am

And the meetings are official going...

10:00am

More meetings

12:00pm

Still more meetings

1:00ish

I grab 10 minutes somewhere in the time zone to microwave my Lean Cuisine meal (reminder it is January) and a Diet Pepsi and to have a pee. You would not believe how hard it seems to be to just take a 5 minute break between meetings to pee - you upset the person that runs the meeting - or you are running the meeting....

2:00pm

More meetings

5:00pm

The official meetings have stopped, but I get a lot of "drop by" visits and calls from others that are in the meeting madness like me. Many actions and decisions get taken at these drop by's

6:00pm

Breathe.....now I start my "work". I check emails, make decisions, create reports, communicate out, write reviews for employees, make plans for the team, etc...

8:00ish

I strive for earlier but it always seems later that I leave. I can't seem to leave until I feel like I have "achieved" something (see my strengths = achiever and focus). I leave mentally exhausted.

9:00pm

I walk in the door, change into sweats or pj's, kiss the husband, maybe eat something, and sit on the sofa for some zone-out tv.

9:30pm

I'm feeling antsy and can't "just watch tv" so get out the iPhone and fiddle - often Twitter or Facebook seem to be the best tool to randomly connect. Twitter has now creeped into being a work thing too, so doing that one....

10:30pm

Nodding head on sofa, wake up drooling, get up and march to bed. Asleep in 5 mins. Guess sleep comes easier than it did last year....