Off to Mumbai

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Delhi to Mumbai: Sahara Airlines Flight 105
Departs: 3:55PM IST Arrives: 5:50PM IST
Duration: 1:55 Miles: 708
Total Duration: 18:56 Total Miles: 8984

Traveling domestically in India is sort of descriptive of the Indian people – basically, it is a study of two extremes. Until relatively recently, India was made up of two classes – the small number of “haves”, and an overwhelming number of “have nots”. Interestingly enough, with the emergence of BPO and other outsourcing, the Indian culture has been going through significant changes, with a rather large and affluent middle-class emerging.

Back to the flying – there is the experience at the airports (that’s the have nots), and then on the plane itself (the haves). You see, being on a domestic Indian flight is incredibly comfortable. In fact, there service is similar to ours USED to be before 9/11, actually even better. I’ve come to understand that Indians expect a meal on a flight. You could be flying 35 minutes to a nearby city, but guaranteed, you are going to be served a meal, coffee, candies, and a cold towel. And, you are going to be served this by a rather attractive young attendant who is dressed in a traditional sari wearing a lot of make-up. I think it is the law in India .

It’s a good thing that you are treated well on the plane, because getting there is a nightmare. My flight today was delayed about an hour, and then all of a sudden, it is final call for boarding. I hadn’t even left the waiting area for security, yet. The waiting area is just completely packed with both people and mosquitoes. I’m convinced that I’m one bite away from Malaria or Dengue.

By the way, there are two meal choices in India – veg or non-veg. I always go with the non-veg, I like meat. Today’s meal was, you guessed it, a Subway sandwich. It looked good, but went uneaten. Unfortunately, it had lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber on it. To eat uncooked vegetables in India is to invite disaster. Why? The vegetables are rinsed with water to maintain some semblance of freshness in the heat. I’ve seen it on the streets. The water is reused, and probably would pass for sewage in the States. Needless to say, I’m a little hungry and a little tired, but enjoying my flight – at least until we land at the airport in Mumbai.

One last note regarding Mumbai: I think the population is 16 million, or so – it is a very highly populated city. However, it also houses India’s largest slum. It is an AMAZING site flying into or out of Mumbai. You cannot imagine the poverty and the conditions of the shanty-town surrounding the airport. Flying in is an experience that is never forgotten and it just makes me thankful to have what I have.

SL

Goodbye, Delhi

11:58 AM IST

I am hurriedly eating breakfast and packing to prepare for my departure from Delhi. Last night, I was in the office of our partner from 6:00PM through 5:00AM, so needless to say, I am a little tired. Unfortunately, when I arrive in Mumbai, I will be dropping off my stuff at the hotel, and proceeding directly to the office. It promises to be a long night.

Last night, however, was very productive. We held our quarterly review with our partner, spent some time on the floor with the agents, recognized several for quality, and did a new product training. It was a busy day, but since I slept so much yesterday, I was actually not sleepy at all.

The temperature in Delhi is supposed to reach 102F. I don’t think I planned my travel real well, since I will be traveling through the heat of the day.

Next stop – Mumbai.

SL

Been there, seen that

8:28AM IST

I’ve recently awoken from a good night’s sleep. The flight was uneventful, if not dreadfully long. It is amazing that during a 15 hour flight, it is the last 90 minutes or so that seem to go on for ever.

I was told that this flight would go over the north pole, but that was in error. We took off to the north from Chicago, and tracked along Canada (ended up a little north of Montreal). We then crossed the Atlantic, south of Greenland, then Iceland, and entered the Norwegian Sea. We then crossed over Europe (passing over Copenhagen, Warsaw, and southern Russia). We crossed the Caspian Sea (a little to the north of Tehran), crossed over Kabul, into Pakistan, and landed in Delhi. I constantly wonder why it is safe to fly over some of these regions!!!

The first thing that you notice when departing the aircraft is the smell. India has a peculiar odor caused by the small woodfires used for cooking by most of the lower class or poorer people. It is a smell that you don't really ever get used to, and one that you really don't forget. A colleague was waiting for me at the airport and escorted me to the hotel .You do NOT drive yourself in India (in fact, when you rent a car in India, a driver comes with it.) and depending on public taxis is a no-no.

My flight mate was an interesting fellow. He was flying with a friend and we taking a 7 week holiday in India, Nepal, and Tibet. They had no agenda, just a flight in and a flight out. When he was explaining what they had planned, I was a little envious. Imagine having no responsibilities and could basically disappear from the world for 2 months…As he was going through his guidebook, taking notes, my envy was replaced with gratitude. Almost everything site that he was jotting down I have already seen. Not only have I been able to experience all those wonderful sites in India, but I’ve basically done them on someone else dime. Maybe I don’t want to disappear too much from the world…maybe just for an afternoon.

I have a real busy day coming up, and don’t expect to sleep much for the next two days. I’ll blog about it.

In case you’re interested, here are some really amazing historical sites to see in Delhi. I don’t expect to do any site seeing until my weekend in Chennai, but I have been to all of the places listed below.

Qutub Minar
Red Fort
Lotus Temple
Humayun’s Tomb

And, about 2.5 hours south (by train) is Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal
Agra Fort

SL

Now I know how the other half lives...

2:28PM CDT

I’ve probably flown close to 500 flights in my life, most for business purposes, and most have been in coach. I have been fortunate enough to sit in business class many times. However, I’ve have never sat in First Class on a plane that had three classes of service. Today that changed, unfortunately for me, it was on a flight that was on 800 miles long.

I’m sitting in seat 4J on a Boeing 777 (Triple-7, for those in the know), My seating area is bigger than the guest bathroom in my house. I have an ottoman – yes, an ottoman. I have a desk with a chair that swivels 90 degrees. Most importantly (especially for a longer flight), my chair opens flat into a bed for sleeping. It is really the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. Now my brain is working to see how I can get into first class where I could really use it – that long flight to Delhi. American calls it Flagship Suite, and it is unreal.

Interestingly enough, the pilot just gave us some interesting numbers. The plane will be traveling at 670 miles per hour at 49,000 feet and our takeoff weight was over 430,000 pounds (I think that is what he said).

3:16PM CDT

I worked on e-mail during this flight, and eliminated about 450. Unfortunately, most of these did not require any action on my part. Obviously, the remainder will require more work. My battery has 69% power left, which is over 2 hours. I have another battery, but I think by the time I land in Delhi, they’ll both be dead.

4:35PM CDT

Sitting in the Admirals Club at O'Hare. Since I'm platinum level on American Airlines, I'm entitled to get into the club when I travel internationally. They have relatively inexpensive Wf-Fi here, so I'm connected. Gonna send my e-mail, finds some gnosh to pick on, and call home. My head is pounding (think it's sinuses, since I woke up like that), and already wish I was home.

SL

Around the globe, or bust!

Today I leave for a twelve day trip that will bring me to three cities in India (Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai) and to Manila, Philippines. Normally, I look forward to these trips, but this will be my fifth time to India and my second time to Manila (the last was last October).

Visiting this part of the world can be undeniably difficult. Forget the long flights, homesickness and incredible heat, being in that part of the world presents some interesting challenges.

For one, you have to be very careful as to what you put in your body. Eating and drinking very well cooked foods and bottled water are a necessity. I’ve gotten sick in India on two different occasions, even while being extremely careful. It is no fun.

Also, the long hours and busy agendas are difficult to work through. Because of the time difference, and the fact that they work US hours, it means that a typical work day is between 8:00PM and 5:00AM. Although you don’t have to worry about time zone changes too much, it just isn’t natural to work during the evening.

I thought for this trip that I would blog about the trip itself. Since I’ll be flying over 21,000 miles on 8 flights, and will have some downtime, as well, I think there will be some interesting items to share. Not the least of which is the 14.75 hour flight from Chicago to Delhi. It will be my second time on a flight that long, and the first in coach.



Saturday, April 29, 2006

Dallas to Chicago: American Airlines Flight 66
Departs: 1:50PM CDT Arrives: 4:06PM CDT
Duration: 2:16 Miles: 801

Chicago to Delhi, India: AA Flight 292
Departs: 7:15PM CDT Arrives: 8:30PM IST (Sunday)
Duration: 14:45 Miles: 7475
Total Duration: 17:01 Total Miles: 8276

Today I will be in the air for over 17 hours total and will arrive in Delhi, India at 8:30PM Sunday night (local India time). I have ten movies with me, but my batteries won't last that long. I have about 1000 e-mail to read (I've been on vacation or traveling the last two weeks), so I have a lot of work to catch up on. I will be as busy or as bored as I want.

SL

5th Anniversary

Last week I celebrated 10 years with my company. Although I take great pride in that accomplishment, there is another, much more important anniversary that I celebrate today. Angie and I were married five years ago today in Las Vegas.

I cannot believe that it is already five years. It has been such an amazing time, filled with both laughter and tears, ups and downs, and some really tough times - but as I look back on that day I can only offer up thanks to God that He gave me Angie as my wife. As I think about where we've come from, I am struck at how much has stayed the same and how much has changed...Allow me to share:

Angie looks as good today as the day I met her. I often tell her the story about how I wanted more than anything to nibble on her neck when I met her. I still do. You see, Angie has those natural good looks that only get better with time because she doesn't need make-up or flashy clothes. She's always been my ivory girl, and always will be.

Few things make me happier than when I make Angie laugh. She has such a friendly, infections laugh that is pleasing to my soul. In fact, you know you've really tickled her when she covers her mouth with her hand when she laughs. It is a little quirk she has, and sometimes I just try to get her to do it by acting goofy.

Angie is my best friend. We tell each other just about everything. I can share my day with her, and she can share hers with me. I end up trying to fix everything, but I'm working on that. Angie and I did the long distance thing for a while before we got married, so we learned how to talk. We lost that for a while during the tougher times, but I think we are getting better. I look forward to practicing for another 50 years, or so.

There are many more, but some things have changed dramatically, as well. You see, although Angie and I have many of the same hang-ups that we had when we married, we have also lost many of them. We are clearly NOT the same people that married each other. Although we both believed in Jesus Christ, we really didn't live that way. We try to now. Because of that, we've both changed - and for the MUCH BETTER. If it weren't for that, we can both honestly admit that we wouldn't be celebrating our fifth anniversary. We were too selfish, too into our own needs. I guess that means that Jesus has saved us twice; both our eternity and our marriage.

Love (1 Corinthians 13)

1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I love you sweetheart, and look forward to continuing to change, and staying the same, with you.

Happy Anniversary!

Scott

Day 6 update...

Ok, so the first day back in the office is hard...real hard.

A colleague comes up to me and asks if I want to "go get some air". This is smokers code for "wanna go smoke?" What's ironic about this, is that this person just restarted smoking again after a very long time of giving it up. I proudly proclaimed that I had quit, and wouldn't be joining him.

Two minutes later, we were puffing away. I ended up having 3 cigarettes yesterday.

I'm actually not too disappointed. I had gone four days without one, and only three on my 5th day (which was the hardest as I was back at work). Today will be less (or none), and I'll be good to go. I hope...it's hard. Real hard.

SL

"Cassie, did you cry?"

"Daddy, did you smoke?"

These two questions are the beginning of most exchanges between Cassie and I these days.

You see, Cassie has started crying again when we drop her off at school, church, whatever. For some reason that we haven't been able to determine, Cassie is going through separation anxiety again. She hadn't done it for years, but for the last 6 weeks or so, she cries real bad when we try to drop her off.

So, about a week ago, I came in from having a cigarette, and she told me that I stunk and needed to stop. She doesn't understand the health implications, just that daddy smelled bad. I can understand that. I told her that I would stop smoking if she stopped crying when we dropped her off. I don't exactly remember how we made a connection there, but it made sense at the time. She said she'd try real hard and I told her I'd do the same.

So - for a week or so, we've both been answering 'Yes' to our respective questions. I've been smoking and she's been crying. However, that changed yesterday. For the first time, and I answered 'No' to the question when Cassie asked me. I could tell she was expecting 'Yes', and was pleased not to get it.

Now that I blogged about it, I can't hide it. I've quit smoking, and ask that you help keep me accountable. Pray for me, and also for Angie and the kids, I'm going to be a jerk for the next couple of weeks (months). She'll need your sympathy. Also for Cassie. She needs to answer 'No' to her question, too.

I'll keep up with my progress on the blog. ***STARTING DAY 2***

Daddy who? Who is this strange man?

I've blogged before about how fortunate I have been to have done some business travel to some interesting areas. I look back at some of the places I've been and am struck that a bozo like me gets paid to go to different places. I've always enjoyed the travel, particularly to new places, even though business travel is not nearly as glamorous as you might think. Hours on planes and in airports can get pretty old, pretty quick.

I've been fortunate that I don't have to travel nearly as much as I used to, so it means that I am home much more than I have been. That's a good thing, since it lets me be with Angie and the kids more than otherwise.

However, it seems like my travel is cyclical. I can go a month or two without as much as a one day trip, and then I get weeks where I seem to be on the road all the time. I've just begun one of those travel periods.

Week1 - I am in Half Moon Bay in California. It is absolutely beautiful here, and we are staying at the Ritz Carlton on the ocean for a sales offsite. Will be home Friday night.

Week2 - I will be flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a day and a half site visit. Basically, 20 hours on planes for 10 hours work. At least it is somewhere new, and leaves just Africa as the unvisited continent (and Antarctica, but I won't count that). I should have taken advantage of a Capetown, South Africa trip back when we had an account there.

Week3 - I'm actually home AND on vacation studying for a calculus final. Will be nice to reaquaint with the family.

Week4 - India! Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai in one week. I am flying the new American Airlines Chicago to Delhi flight. 18 hours in coach. At least I get the 7500 miles.

Week5 - Manila, Philippines. More site visits as I spend 4 days in Manila. I will be arriving back in Dallas on Thursday afternoon.

Friday (week5) - SLEEP and reintroducing myself to the kids.

Career Growth

I am approaching my 10th anniversary at my company (is it 10 years already???) and I've come to the conclusion that I'm in a little bit of a career funk. For over half of my time with McAfee, I've been on what I would call a fast track. I'd work hard, gather up some successes and get a promotion. This happened at least annually for the first 6 years or so. However, for the last several years this upward movement has all but ceased. Yes, I have more responsibility than I ever have, I'm largely responsible for over $10 million dollars in budget, and my salary hasn't suffered - but I'm basically in the same position I've had for a while.

Unless you think about why, the assumptions come pretty easy - and there's a good chance they're wrong...I say that because in my case it is mostly true. I look around, and look at all the external factors and reasons, but I really didn't turn my search inward. Instead, I've been thinking that perhaps my time at my company is coming to and end, and I should start looking for something else (and work on my degree while I'm at it).

I thought this way until pretty recently. I report to a new VP, and he's been coaching me on my career. His first question to me was a bit of a shock. It was, "where do you want to be next?" I've never been asked this question, and I've never considered it on my own. For far too long, I just assumed that where I would be had nothing to do with my plans. I gave that question some long and hard thought, and shared the answer with my boss. His next question was even more of a shock. He asked, "what's your plan to get there?".

I realized I didn't have one. Now he's helping me identify the areas that I need to improve in, and is helping me create a plan of progression in my company. It's amazing the effect it has had on me at work. I'm putting in more time, working smarter, and am generally more energized and motivated.

Come to think of it, that's how I worked when I was getting all those promotions. Makes you stop and think where the problem has been these last couple of years. Invariably, I have to turn inward and think about me and my responsibility for my career. Unlike that opportunistic youngster I once was, I now try to balance work and family. However, I still am motivated by achievement and want to provide as well as I can for my family. I'm just real thankful for a new boss who seems as interested in my growth as I am.

SL

EXTREMEist FAITH

I'm so fired up right now, that I need to blog about this. First, take a look at the first comment of the post directly below this one. My nephew seems to think since my posts include many entries about God, my faith, etc. that I am an extremist. It's an interesting comment and certainly a bit judgemental. Not sure exactly what is extremist about it, but I still feel compelled to respond. Several other families members have mentioned my postings and their inclusion of God, so this may help them gain some understanding.

I categorically believe that God created EVERYTHING. And that because he is Holy and we are not, we were necessarily separated from Him.

I believe that God loves us more than we could possibly comprehend, and because of that love He sent His son, Jesus Christ to us for our salvation.

I believe that the Bible is the word of God, and is Truth (all of it, not just the part that I agree with).

I believe that because the bible says that the only way to spend eternity with Him is to believe in Jesus, that this is the case (no exceptions). This means that your actions do NOT get you there, AND that your actions do NOT keep you from heaven.

I believe that God gave us the bible (or, as I like to say - the OWNER'S MANUAL FOR LIFE) because He made us, He knows how we work, He knows what we need, and He wants us to live happy and fulfilling lives. To follow the teaching of the bible is to live in God's plan.

I believe that God isn't about us following His rules. He's about loving us and since He knows us (better than we know ourselves) following His Fatherly nature is for us to follow His teaching (Parents: why teach your children not to touch a stove? Because you're all about rules or because you know it will hurt them? This is why God gives us rules, too. If more men, for example, "averted their eyes from the impure", would we have less broken homes and marriages? Seems to me the answer is yes.)

OK - I could keep going, but I think we get the idea. I now have one question. If, I truly believe what I say I believe above, wouldn't it make sense that our ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, and EVER-LOVING GOD BE THE CENTER OF MY UNIVERSE? More important than even my relationship with my wife and my kids (and other family)? You better believe it. Does that make me a worse husband? Ask Angie, but I bet the rent she'd say the more I am in touch with my relationship with God, the better husband and father I am.

EXTREME? You bet! I'll not judge you if you aren't, but be assured I'm praying that you'll be.

SL

Why blog?

My first couple of posts were about how blogging is an endeavor that is basically stupid. Who, in their right mind, would care what I have to say or think? Probably not many. However, as I look over my past entries, I see that there is only one intended audience, and that's me. I think the utility to my putting my experiences and thoughts down has more to do with being an introspective record that anything. It is interesting to go back and read my entries. It can be a learning experience if I allow it to be.

I know some that journal. I've tried to do it, but I've never really kept up with it, and eventually I invariably abandon it. However, I've now blogged for upwards of a couple of months, and I don't see an end to it. It's easy, relatively quick, and since I'm on the computer daily, it is convenient. Interestingly enough, when I talk to people about my blog site, they always ask what my motivation is...well, here goes:

1) Keep in touch with family back home. Instead of calling all of my family every weekend, I can keep them updated to the goings on from Texas, all at the same time - with pictures.

2) To get opinions of others. Often, I'm curious if I did the right thing, or if I'm feeling appropriate feelings. Thankfully, my family and friends are always there to offer either a word of encouragement, a critique of my actions, or (in the case of my beloved nephew) a spell check.

3) A written record on how God works in my life. The only way to retrospectively contemplate His good works is to keep a record of them. Basically, if we don't focus on what happens to us, in particular, the good that He does in our lives, we are apt to miss it. The blog is a unique way to keep a record of my openness (or closed mindedness) to allowing him to work in my life.

4) An accountability record. If I put it up on the blog, then you can keep my accountable for my actions. This one is particularly important to me. This weeks sermon by our pastor was one that I will blog about going forward, and one in which I will ask that you all help me stay accountable. It was about anger, and I will talk about that one next time.

Till then,

SL

Imagine if she were a genious, like Einstein?

As it rained this weekend, we've spent the last couple of days enjoying the end of the kids' Spring Break. Since our camping (and shooting and fishing) plans have been thwarted, we instead went out to eat, bowling and playing games. One of the games we played was Pictionary Junior.

It is relatively easy splitting into teams with Dylan and Marissa, but Cassie tends to complicate things. We gave her the duty of keeping time (she made us say, "3 - 2 - 1 - CUP" to start each round!", and every once in a while we let her draw a picture in which we needed to guess. She loves to draw, and is pretty good, so we could usually guess what she was drawing. This arrangement sufficed during the first game, but when we started the second, she became bored with keeping time. We basically tried to ignore her, until she started guessing drawings that no one else could get...first she guessed crab (and trust me, I would have NEVER gotten it, since Marissa's drawing looked like a flying egg). Then she guessed purse (while I was guessing pail and pot). Lastly, most amazing was her guess of Parrot.

Out of no where, she just blurts it out like she new exactly what I was drawing. We were all suitably amazed by a four year old who was seriously contributing to the game. With her help, Marissa and I caught up to Angie and Dylan and actually won the game.

We've been blessed with really intelligent kids, but even Dylan and Marissa were impressed with Cassie. Marissa mentioned that Cassie has been "really smart this week", and Dylan commented how cool it would be if she "were some kind of genious, like Einstein". I don't know about that, but I do know I want her on my team next time we play Pictionary.

SL

When it rains it pours...

It's been a couple of hours since I posted about the incredible rains we get...it has continued to pour and the creek in the backyard has now flooded the first portion of our yard. We have a 3 to 4 foot retaining wall, which leads up an incline to the house. If this continues, and it will for a while, we could be in for some possible flooding. Time to start praying.

Here's an updated picture of the creek.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

If you've never spent a spring in North Texas, then you may not be aware of the AWESOME power of mother nature that we regularly experience this time of year. I remember my first March/April after moving here, and I would sit by the window and just watch the incredible light show that God provided. I would watch for hours, or at least until I was frightened enough that I might get struck.

I've since learned that this area is really the beginning of 'Tornado Alley', and that springtime thunderstorms were the norm. In fact, they are so necessary due to the very dry hot summers that we suffer through. Over the course of the last year, we've been going through a severe drought. If memory serves, we may have been as much as 25 inches below normal, or more. You could visibly see the lake levels and how low they are.

I think that may be ending with this weekend's rain...it's been POURING since Friday night, and is expected to continue for about 24 more hours. The lightening and thunder have been incredible. Angie and I were both shook awake at 5:30 this morning by an amazing boomer. We both woke and jumped at the same time. The amazing thing is that the kids never stirred. The rain has both good and bad associated with it. We were supposed to go camping and shooting this weekend, but cancelled due to the forecast. However, those inconveniences are minor compared to the benefits. The lawn has greened before our eyes and lake levels (which are actually reservoirs for the Texas water system) have noticeably risen. A normally dry creek behind our house has become a raging river.

Like the benefits and the inconveniences of it raining, so too will there be both when it stops. Although we'll be able to enjoy the outdoors again, the water bill for the lawn and the foundation will be high. The best compromise I can think of is to rain during the week, and stop on the weekends. Oh, if life were so easy.

SL

What a weekend

I've always loved to travel...at least from the point where I started doing a significant amount of it for work. I've been extremely fortunate to have done significant travel on my company's dime. I've been around the word (literally) and have been to a majority of the continents (except South America, Africa, and Antarctica). Of late, I've spent some significant time in India and the Philippines. By no means am I one of the top tier travelers, but I've done a lot (approaching three-quarters of a million program miles on America Airlines), and have enjoyed it immensely.

One of the most memorable trips was a layover weekend in Paris several years ago. I was traveling from France to Singapore, and thought I'd spend a weekend seeing the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and L'Arc De Triumphe. It was as wonderful as I expected. However, I was alone (and single at the time), and swore that I would return with my loved one (assuming I would ever have one) by my side.

Angie and I are approaching our 5th anniversary in a month and a half and the plan was to spend our anniversary in Paris. Unfortunately, for several reasons, this is not going to happen. However, with the training that I was sent to last week, we did have an opportunity to spend a weekend in one of my other favorite cities, San Francisco. I've been there a couple of times, but never really got to experience the city (at least not since a family vacation back when I was 12). I have to admit, it was an amazing experience. Why, because Angie loved it so much. She has not traveled a lot, and has not experienced many of the world's great cities. In fact, you can probably count the number of times she's been out of Texas on both hands, and most of them have been to New York with me.

And that was the great joy in this weekend. Seeing her amazed by the mountains, the sea, the Goldengate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, the hills of San Francisco, the architecture, the shops, and the sourdough bread at Bodin. That was the joy for me and I still can't wait to experience Paris with her. I guess it's the WHO you are with that matters more than the WHERE you are.

SL

Something else I've learned this week

I've recently returned to school to complete by bachelors degree which I never completed when I was younger. I've always enjoyed school and particularly enjoy learning new things, applying that learning to what I am doing, and ultimately the competitive nature that school presents. To me, a grade is a bit of a competition. I compete with myself and with the others in my class for my grade. There is an extremely good feeling in earning an A in a class where you had to work very hard.

Recently, Angie and I have been talking about the demands school makes on us, and our kids. The strain is significant. There are days that we don't see each other since I often leave for work before she is up, and on nights I have class, I return home after she is asleep. Not the greatest marriage situation. Additionally, I am often not around to see the kids or to participate in their activities during the week. Basically, between class time and study time, I am OOH (Out Of the House) four nights a week. Angie told me that she "hates when school is in session" and that she "feels like a single parent". If you add the fact that this will continue for about 5 more years, she is understandably disheartened.

I understand how she feels. Trust me, I'd rather come home after work, play with the kids, have a nice dinner with the family (instead of choking down double cheeseburgers on my way to class) and watch idol with her.

Recently, we discussed WHY I am back in class. First, I believe it is the best way that I can continue to provide for my family. I strongly believe that my options are limited and my "upward mobility" is restricted by the fact that I do not have my degree. There has always been more to the feelings I have about my education, but I've previously been unable to communicate them adequately.

However, this week at Wharton has helped me understand what I've been feeling. In a nutshell, it is the strong belief that I am SUPPOSED to do more with my professional life. That I've been given a certain level of intellect, and not fully expanding that and realizing that potential would be a waste and that I have to do it…for me. The fact of that matter is that I enjoy learning and pushing myself, and currently do not see any boundaries in this respect. Don't take me wrong, I am not the brightest bulb in the pack, I have friends that I think are MUCH more intelligent than I am. However, I think there can be more than I am doing, and that only through education can I actually achieve those things.

I haven't talked to Angie about this yet and I will - but, I also know she'll read this. I hope she can LEARN to understand. Perhaps I can register her for the course!

SL

Frames, Overconfidence, and Anchors

In my last post, I mentioned the Wharton Executive Management training that I am currently enrolled in. Needless to say, it has been an amazing week. My expectations around the training were that we would be receiving people management training. Of course, those expectations were wrong. Actually, we will do organizational management training tomorrow, but so far, the training has focused on other parts of the support and services business.

Day 1 revolved around expectations, uncertainties, and how both effect our business. It was a mind opener, as we learned that most people are incredibly overconfident in what they believe to be facts. Additionally, our attitudes and beliefs are based on frames (the external stimuli that effect the way we interpret information) and anchors. An anchor is the way in which we often come to conclusions based on what we've been exposed to.

Day 2 was all about negotiations. Interestingly enough, we negotiate all the time, whether at work or at home. The take away was that through exhaustive preparation, practice and active listening, we can improve the outcomes of our negotiations.

Day 3 was financial analysis. I learned more in a full day session this week than in the first 6 weeks in my accounting course at UTD. Did you know that a dollar today will probably be worth only 90 cents next year?

Day 4 (today) was about customer value. Customers are assets, and some are more valuable than others. Interesting stuff. Now I know what LTVC (Life Time Value of the Customer) is and how to measure it. The interesting thing is that we can effect each and every variable within the equation.

Tomorrow - people and organizational management. I knew it would be in there somewhere.

SL

I left my heart...

...in San Francisco. We'll, I hope not, but today I depart for an incredible opportunity. I am enrolled in the Wharton/SSPA Technology Support Services Management Program which will last the entire week. Sometimes, we all need to just sit back and contemplate the amazing blessings that we receive. This training is one of them. Not only is Wharton one of the top business schools in the country, this very expensive training is being supplied by my company. Donald Trump, on a recent episode of "The Apprentice" said that Wharton was THE BEST business school in the world, with Harvard in second - I think he is an alum, so it may not mean so much. It is an amazing feeling to know that your company values you enough to invest in your skill sets. I've received other training before, but nothing on this scale.

I know the week is going to be extremely difficult (the agenda has us working from 9:00AM to 9:00PM every day). Being away from family for a week will be difficult, as well. And, my company rightfully expects that I bring the knowledge gained in this training back to the rest of the management team. All I know is that I am humbled by the opportunity.

I'll blog about the experience this week.

BTW - on Friday, Angie will be meeting me for a weekend in San Francisco, as well. So I have something to really look forward to.

Saturday night lights

Guys, I have a question for you? Have to ever told your wife the ONLY reason you were going to a ball game were to see the cheerleaders? Well, I have and I still breathe. How was I so fortunate? That cheerleader is my step-daughter, Marissa.

Our family is probably typical of most families with children. Our kids have activities that they participate in, and since we have two active kids (Dylan is one of my other step-children who plays basketball and baseball) we usually are busy on weekends.

Most Saturdays are spent shuttling from one game or activity to another. There are a couple of very special Saturdays that mark the end of the season and usher in a time of...well - leisure for us. Today was one of those Saturdays. Today marked the end of basketball season, and for us, it means that we will not have to run around from game to game. This inactivity on Saturdays may be short lived since baseball season has already started, but we'll enjoy it while we get it. In fact, next Saturday I'll be blogging from an early anniversary weekend from San Francisco.

Don't get me wrong, I love watching our kids play and grow. Marissa is absolutely one of the best, if not the best, on her squad. Watching her do round-off flip-flops, or whatever she calls them, are amazing. Those dollars spent on gymnastics and cheerleading really have done wonders. She is real good. Dylan, is an all-star baseball player, and is responsible for re-igniting my involvement in the game. This basketball season he seems to have come out of his shell a bit, and has been real aggressive, particularly on defense. Its fun, no doubt. However, I am really looking forward to not having to schedule my Saturdays like my work calendar, shuffling between fields...at least for a couple of weeks.

SL