As 2014 approaches, 2013 comes to an end

Well, it's New Year's Eve and I thought it best to close this year out with a review of 2013.  I was listening to NPR one Saturday and listened to different people summarize their 2013 lives (as a part of Hanukkah) and I thought what a good practice.  I like the idea of this practice, mainly because we, as human beings, tend to forget (or overshadow) the great blessings and often the negative actions we have encouraged (intentional and unintentional).  Don't get it twisted, we most definitely remember ALL of the negative things that have happened to us but we spend little time on those that we gave out; but that's another topic on another day.

Blessings for the year

• Celebrated my 10th year of marriage with the greatest husband and friend; who could have imagined the love, respect, and connection I have with this man?
• Spent 7 nights on the Kaui'i island in Hawai'i; what?
• Spent 30 days in India; met many new friends, learned more about an interesting culture, and saw some great Mughal architecture (including the Taj Mahal).
• Got to see my best friend several times (more than the normal 3-4 times a year); total awesomeness!
• Every person in the household saw a salary increase (via promotions and an adjustment for an impending promotion); some hard-working individuals in this camp.
• Went to Vegas for the first time; had a great time with the bestest!
• Finally took a trip with Jamie's side of the family; we had a really good time and I think his parents REALLY enjoyed themselves and that makes me so happy.
• Realized why friends are so special to me.  Yes, I will share.  Friends are so special to me because they are the people that choose to love you REGARDLESS of affiliation.  If more clarity is needed, be sure to bring it up in the future.
• Received unexpected gifts on Christmas.  Although they may never know it, it meant a lot to us that we were thought of in this way.  Secret: it touched my heart so much that I cried a little.

Negative actions

• Let the selfishness of others get to me and responded accordingly (several times)
• Didn't talk to my sisters much
• Didn't spend enough time with the friends that I do have; must change this in the new year.
• I felt horrible that we didn't get others (outside of niece and nephews) gifts for Christmas; irrespective of my intent, this is a negative action because it implies that the givers expected something in return or felt obligated and I should never discount the spirit of giving, ever.
• Dreaded and complained about taking out my extensions when Jamie requested because I was too scared to see what my hair looked like. 

All in all a great year, my negative actions seem low.  I should probably double-check that list and update if necessary.  See what I mean, it is hard to go back and review your own negative actions.  I encourage you to at least think about the blessings from this year, if it looks as though you haven't received any then it is my guess that you have truly let the negatives outweigh all the great things in your life.

This post is pretty long so I am finished for today.  It's New Year's Eve, I have to go and figure out how to improve things for 2014.

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!!!

Hanging out...

Last night, I hung out with one of my really good friends and some of her friends.  Thought the course of the night, we all had various conversations went from one place to the next and just enjoyed conversation and the people around us.  To me, that's what hanging out should be about; not about exclusion/using people.

In life, we spend too much time focusing on the wrong things.  Life is too short fake relationships; if you don't want to spend time with me then don't.  Jamie and I have a great time together and very seldom NEED to spend time with others.  While we enjoy hanging out with others, we can't continue putting more into our relationships than others are willing to give.

So, as a part of the things that I learned, here's one

People are who they are no matter what you do or say, if you don't like them or to be around them, don't.  You aren't helping the relationship by forcing something that doesn't exist.

Reality - Progress - Next Steps

So, one of my co-workers asked me if I realized that I was one step away from being a Director my response, "Sometimes I do, but most of the time I think that I have a long ways to go."  After she and I finished talking, I started to think about my statement.  See my statement was based on where I think I am right now in my career, my statement was based on the thoughts (or perceptions) that I think others have on my career progression.  

 

Why does it matter?  I honestly have no idea.  I think that it is natural for us to get caught up in that "everybody else" complex but that doesn't help us grow as individuals.  In fact, imitating or trying to impress others only helps to perpetuate low confidence and self-esteem.

I have worked very hard to ensure that I understand expectations, build and manage strong teams, and meet objectives as set before me.  I have created bonds that others never saw and implemented processes and strategies that no one else had the ability to strength to even try.  So, you are damn right I am one step away from being a Director, I should have been a Sr. Manager at least a year ago.  But, I am not complaining about that because following my own path, there is no doubt that I earned my promotion and title and am well on my way to the next one. 

Nevertheless, I am preparing everyday for the path that has been chosen for me and I will continue to knock down barriers as I travel it.

Back to the Basics

So, this blog was originally created for me and Jamie to post our thoughts on various topics.  Seeing as though that hasn't panned out, I am going to go back to the reason I liked the idea of blogs anyway.  I use to journal all of the time and have found myself wanting to start another journal (this time digital).

Over the past year or so, many things have occurred. After talking with Jamie, he advised that I should not react to everything, sometimes I should just sit back and observe.  For those that know me, you know that this is a very hard ting for me because I am very vocal.

First thought... I truly have a great husband.  Yesterday, I got all four of my wisdom teeth pulled and was given instructions on what I needed to do after the procedure.  Jamie made sure that I took my pills on time, changed out my ice pack, flipped it from side-to-side, and checked on me very often.  I kept telling him that I was fine but he insisted that I rest. 

Because I have had another great day with the hubby, I am going to leave stop posting and go sit on the patio and enjoy the weather.  Tomorrow, I can catch you up on the not so great things that have happened.

India - Week 1 Summary

So, let's see.  The week started out with me in front of 14 people who eagerly want to learn everything quickly, so they can start working.  The eagerness and enthusiasm was very exciting and encouraging.  There were a few unpleasant things about the first day though:

·         We were in a room that had a malfunctioning air conditioner; it was ~109 degrees that day and I had on jeans and a long sleeve T-shirt (guess who wasn’t eager to get too close to anyone for the remainder of the day).

·         It also was the first time in a very long time that I spent that much time in front of people talking (now I remember why I tasked my analysts with this responsibilityJ). 

·         Internet connection SUCKED (really? People aren’t able to function without cell phones that can essentially hold a conversation with you and this 12-story, brand-new building is not properly setup with Wi-Fi.  You can get Wi-Fi at TCBY)

·         Random power outages were not limited to the area of Gurgaon that the hotel is located in (funny thing is they happen so often that whenever it happens, no one flinches)

But you know me; I can find the good in every situation:

·         Because most people in this area carry a smell naturally, I still smelled pretty good by the end of the day by comparison and hopefully I managed to shed a couple of calories with all of that sweating.

·         A good refresher is an admired skill is always a plus

·         Since I had no internet connection, I didn’t have to worry about responding to emails from crazy people or receiving random IMs from people asking “Tammy, are you really unavailable?”

·         Lights out for a little while allows for a quick break.  J

So, that was just Day 1 J  The other days will be summarized. 

The driver arrives every day at ~12:20 p.m.  Every day, we see goats and cows roaming the streets or simply sitting on the ground with no immediate plans.  While I noticed it every day, it wasn’t until Wednesday that I realized that the big dead animal on the side of the road (cover up by some sort of too small sheet) was never going to be removed from that spot.  For those that don’t believe me, I didn’t capture a pretty good picture of it.  Security is not to be taken lightly either.  Every day upon entry into the office, we go through the security tower and our bags go through the scanner; when we return to the hotel, there is a quick check in the vehicle then another walk through security checkpoint and bag scan. 

The connectivity issues lasted until Thursday when I informed the manager and project lead that I would be escalating the issue because we could not impact our training plan any longer (frustrated Tammy came through in discussion and emails to my management).  After which, they found a way to get us access and confirmed that their IT team would be installing Wi-Fi in the need areas on Saturday and testing on Sunday for us to continue with training and practice on Monday.

Oh yeah, I successfully learned all 14 of the team’s names by Thursday morning; which apparently impressed the team members (my guess is that we have been so arrogant that we don’t even take the time).
I just want everyone to remember how blessed we truly are.  We have so many luxuries that we take for granted simply because they have become commonplace to us.  There are people in this world that can’t even dream of having the things that we enjoy with little effort.

Oh yeah, I am guessing I will only be able upload photos via a LAN connection so I will try that this weekend.

This weekend, TAMMY TOURS DELHI!!!  Talk to you soon.

Sorry this one was so long, it's been a minute

India - Day 3

I think I finally felt the time difference today.  I woke up @ 7:a.m. IST just as I did yesterday; I video-chatted with Jamie @ 8:00 a.m. IST/9:30 p.m. CST.  I went down for breakfast with my co-worker @ 9 a.m. IST/10:30 p.m. CST. 

When I came back upstairs, my intent was to go over my presentation documents for the first day of training tomorrow.  I sat down to watch a little TV then thought I can take a nap for about an hour and a half then I can get up and go to The Royal Lounge to work (that way I can be out of the room when they come to service it). 

Needless to say, my plans didn't work out so well.  I slept until 6; then woke up to find out that I could not access the documents that I needed to review.  Luckily, I have a great husband and partner who went up to the office to aid with my dilemma.

Well, I am shutting down for the night to try and get some sleep before the first day in the office.  If I have to come back to India again, I am opting to make plans for the weekend.  :-)

In India

My co-worker and I made it safely to Delhi/Gurgaon India yesterday @ 3:15 pm IST/4:30 am CST.  The flight was long but not terribly uncomfortable; the place was very large with seat that could convert into sleeping space.  The food and service were very good.

The airport is large and not terribly different from the states; it is a newer airport so I expected this.  When first exiting, I heard a man call the name of our hotel but didn't think anything of it, because a driver and Sanchita and Naren (company representatives) were supposed to meet us.  The man then said, "Mrs. Morris" which took me by surprise.  Apparently, only the drivers can come into to the airport and they are not allowed to wait with their cars.  They sent two cars for me and my co-worker.

Riding in cars with the steering wheel on the right side is a little different and makes me wonder if I could get used to it.  Nevertheless, there are lanes lanes on the road (despite what people will tell you); it just depends if the drivers will stay in them :-).  On the roads, you will see anything that moves, people, bikes, rickshaws, trucks, construction equipment; if it moves, it's on the road.

Arriving at the hotel, everyone must go through security.  I was met by a hostess and one of the hotel managers.  They personally walked provided a tour of the hotel and walked me to my hotel (carrying my bags).  In my room, we completed check-in and they let me know what services were available to me.  The manager then gave me her card and offered her assistance if I should need it and suggested that we meet for drinks at some point during my stay.

The hotel is very westernized and modern.  The room is a residence suite that has a kitchen, living space, desk, WiFi and LAN connection, separate bedroom and bath with rain shower and dipping pool.  We are right next to one of the top mall in Delhi, so we are not lacking anything at this point.

I would say the greatest difference that I can see at this point between the Indian and American cultures is that Indians are very eager and willing to assist others; this is a characteristic not found very often in the US.

Family, Friends and everyone else...

So, I know it's been a while since the last post. So, here it goes... Some will be rambling and some may make complete sense.

I am trying to figure out when or how we can get to a place where everyone is okay being who they are.  I have figured out that many people (sometimes through no fault of their own) are really shady and dishonest.  Most of the time it's because people just aren't okay with who they are.  They are desperately trying to be the person that everyone notices, the person with the nicest clothes, the person who makes a lot of money, the person who is always funny, the person that can sing or dance, essentially the person that IS NOT THEM.

Why does this bother me so much?  It bothers me because I spend a lot of time caring for others, trying to love them as the person that they are and end up being the one that people try to take advantage of, only call when they need something, or just plain don't like me because I am too nice, too honest, or too whatever the reason.

Well, after talking to my husband, I am refocusing my time on those that love me and that I love and I am no longer concerning myself.  I have some friends that make it a point to call me, check on me, invite me to whatever, and they deserve my time.

Hopefully, the others will figure it out in time enough to enjoy life and love.