Am having the most relaxed sojourn to Montreal ever. Came down yesterday and had that magical whole set of seats to myself so lots of room to spread out and work on that presentation I'm giving on Wednesday. Have to sit next to x-ine tomorrow, boo (I keed, I keed!). Then after some very productive meetings with various research collaborators who did not murder me for not bringing a new draft of the paper of death but rather asked for my expertise (ha!) on various subjects that I guess I do know something about, or encouraged me to find all sorts of training to be an awesome leader, I got to have dinner chez the new apartment of my former roomie and one of my other besties.
Today was a late wake up, shopping and deal finding on Ste Catherine and a DEELISH late afternoon lunch at Juliette et Chocolat with yet another dear friend (I have a lot of those in this city), we are now deposing before making dinner for another wonderful person.
I'm making inroads on my holiday shopping but let's not discuss the Christmas card situation. I have a lot to deal with at work still but with weekends and friends like this I think I can get by.
(NYC pictures still to come I swear!)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Not always efficient....
So that last post about being an AWESOME packer? I might have to take back some of it after I brought a very full duffel (including 3 pairs of shoes for 3 days) to NYC with friends, and didn't have much room for shopping, so I had to check that bag to carry on a very full shopping bag?
Anyways, we had a blast, will work on a full run down for you, now am dealing with all the laundry I should do but a few highlights include seeing Harry Potter sing and dance, getting into a new hot store (where my preppy soul found it's Mecca) before many actual New Yorkers, gorgeous architecture and of course lots of laughs. This weekend was so, so needed and while I am currently sleepy,nit gave me that (forcible) unplug and refresh.
Anyways, we had a blast, will work on a full run down for you, now am dealing with all the laundry I should do but a few highlights include seeing Harry Potter sing and dance, getting into a new hot store (where my preppy soul found it's Mecca) before many actual New Yorkers, gorgeous architecture and of course lots of laughs. This weekend was so, so needed and while I am currently sleepy,nit gave me that (forcible) unplug and refresh.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
LadyLaptop's Commandments...
...for an efficient business trip.
Hi friends - I'm back from yet another business trip, this one several days on the not so sunny west coast. I had headed out hoping for warmer temperatures than the O-town but instead back here they had record highs. In any case, the trip went well, had some productive meetings and got to stay in a hotel for more than one night. I got to unpack - a luxury! Anyways, with a number of recent trips and more to come, I've learned some lessons I'd like to pass on to my dear readers. And you'd better listen or I may take you down if you're slowing down the security line.
1. Thou shalt pack in colour schemes
This trip I based around my current favourite flats - blue suede with tassels and these brown snake ones from Old Navy. So everything I brought coordinated with both shoes, including two pairs of dress pants (brown and black), one black skirt, one brown and black tweed blazer, one blue and brown blouse, one formal yet comfortable/flowy navy cardigan, and t-shirts/tank tops to match. I also had simple yet formal enough jewelry. Please note that I brought flats - unless you are really, really, really good in heels, they are more likely to be a hindrance in the airport and are way bulkier to pack.
2. Thou shalt pack for surprises
I had never attended this conference before and thus was prepared for scale of formalities all the way from business casual to full on suit. Most of the attendees ended up on the casual side but when my regional director showed up in a shirt and jacket I was happy to have my blazer and other more formal clothes as I was representing my Depatment. I also packed one extra outfit that was suitable for going out to dinner/just in case.
3. Thou shalt be nice to people in the airport
Yes going through security is a pain and often the agents aren't the friendlist, but that doesn't mean you should be mean in return. Say 'thank you', smile and nod. Even more important, be nice to the people at the counters, gates, attendants, etc. They can make your trip super smooth and give you a whole bottle of sparkling water or they can 'forget' to give you your mini cookies and send your bags to Saskatchewan.
4. Thou shalt look cute
I know that sneakers and a pair of lulus are the most comfortable thing to travel in but I just can't. I wear either my super comfy dress pants that feel like lulus that look way better, or a pair of nice straight jeans, always with flats just in case I have to take them off. I also layer - you never know what temperatures you will encounter, or more importantly, what kind of fascinating man you may be sitting next to.
5. Thou shalt moisturize
The flights over the past few weeks, as well as sleeping on sheets likely not washed
with my hypoallergenic detergent, have been hell on my skin. So before I took off I went and invested in some really good moisture creams which were applied morning than night and made a big difference. Lip gloss and drinking only water/juice on the plane versus soda or alcohol are also important.
6. Thou shalt snack smart
Most carriers in this country now offer barely any food or drink and airports are PRICEY so I had a bunch of bags of trail mix in my suitcase and picked up cheese/other allowable options before heading over whenever I could. Made a big difference both in dollah bills spent and my overall mood.
7. Thou shalt not get bored
I probably over prepare for flights/lay overs but it means that even in my most ADD states I always can keep myself occupied, essential for a slightly nervous flyer and type A personality who hates delays. I had with me my own i.Pad with lots of books and movies on it, a work laptop with actual work to do, a book/magazine for when I got tired of that work/while taking off or landing, and headphones to take advantage of the inflight entertainment while working. I tend to be productive for about half a flight and then need other things to do. As well, while I love watching TV in the hotel beds before falling asleep, I still sleep best reading for a bit before turning out the light.
8. Thou shalt bring your own alarm
Rarely are those clock radios anywhere near reliable so I set my crackberry as I do most mornings I am home, I know it works and it will get me up.
9. Thou shalt spoil yourself
This week I worked really long hours, the time delay meaning that when I woke up around 6 I usually had at least 15 e-mails already to start responding to before my meetings and sessions started, then picked up whatever I had missed at the end of the day, as well as doing any real work I had to do. I have realized that taking advantage of room service, with either a glass of wine or a sundae (below) makes a big difference.
10. Thou shalt take a walk
At least once a day, get the hell out of whatever conference rooms you've been immured in. Even if its just around the block, over to that interesting store or cafe across the street - getting out and clearing your head will make a big difference. If you're somewhere where you don't get a lot or have never been, ask if there is somewhere near by to check out. Who knows what kind of cool souvenirs you may find!
I know there are usually ten of these but here is the most important commandment
11. Thou shalt follow the rules and GET OVER YOURSELF
Your liquid foundation is more than 100 mL but you really really want to keep it along with your four carry ons? You really need to keep texting despite us being ready for take off? Um, no. You are not a super special snowflake and as annoying as the rules may be these days they are there for a reason and we all have to abide by them. If you are blocking the aisle of the plane trying to lift your way too big and heavy carry on into the bin I am not going to be sympathetic unless you're over 75 and STILL. Travelling is not a rocket science but it does require you to be aware of what's going on around you, and realizing that your own incompetence doesn't make you endearing and one of the 'people' to your fellow passengers as you protest well publicized and very clear rules, but rather the person we all bond in hating. Just an FYI.
I hope that you will also take these commandments to heart and are all able to become efficient and happy travellers. I hope we can all share in a drink at an airport bar someday.
Hi friends - I'm back from yet another business trip, this one several days on the not so sunny west coast. I had headed out hoping for warmer temperatures than the O-town but instead back here they had record highs. In any case, the trip went well, had some productive meetings and got to stay in a hotel for more than one night. I got to unpack - a luxury! Anyways, with a number of recent trips and more to come, I've learned some lessons I'd like to pass on to my dear readers. And you'd better listen or I may take you down if you're slowing down the security line.
1. Thou shalt pack in colour schemes
This trip I based around my current favourite flats - blue suede with tassels and these brown snake ones from Old Navy. So everything I brought coordinated with both shoes, including two pairs of dress pants (brown and black), one black skirt, one brown and black tweed blazer, one blue and brown blouse, one formal yet comfortable/flowy navy cardigan, and t-shirts/tank tops to match. I also had simple yet formal enough jewelry. Please note that I brought flats - unless you are really, really, really good in heels, they are more likely to be a hindrance in the airport and are way bulkier to pack.
2. Thou shalt pack for surprises
I had never attended this conference before and thus was prepared for scale of formalities all the way from business casual to full on suit. Most of the attendees ended up on the casual side but when my regional director showed up in a shirt and jacket I was happy to have my blazer and other more formal clothes as I was representing my Depatment. I also packed one extra outfit that was suitable for going out to dinner/just in case.
3. Thou shalt be nice to people in the airport
Yes going through security is a pain and often the agents aren't the friendlist, but that doesn't mean you should be mean in return. Say 'thank you', smile and nod. Even more important, be nice to the people at the counters, gates, attendants, etc. They can make your trip super smooth and give you a whole bottle of sparkling water or they can 'forget' to give you your mini cookies and send your bags to Saskatchewan.
4. Thou shalt look cute
I know that sneakers and a pair of lulus are the most comfortable thing to travel in but I just can't. I wear either my super comfy dress pants that feel like lulus that look way better, or a pair of nice straight jeans, always with flats just in case I have to take them off. I also layer - you never know what temperatures you will encounter, or more importantly, what kind of fascinating man you may be sitting next to.
5. Thou shalt moisturize
The flights over the past few weeks, as well as sleeping on sheets likely not washed
with my hypoallergenic detergent, have been hell on my skin. So before I took off I went and invested in some really good moisture creams which were applied morning than night and made a big difference. Lip gloss and drinking only water/juice on the plane versus soda or alcohol are also important.
6. Thou shalt snack smart
Most carriers in this country now offer barely any food or drink and airports are PRICEY so I had a bunch of bags of trail mix in my suitcase and picked up cheese/other allowable options before heading over whenever I could. Made a big difference both in dollah bills spent and my overall mood.
7. Thou shalt not get bored
I probably over prepare for flights/lay overs but it means that even in my most ADD states I always can keep myself occupied, essential for a slightly nervous flyer and type A personality who hates delays. I had with me my own i.Pad with lots of books and movies on it, a work laptop with actual work to do, a book/magazine for when I got tired of that work/while taking off or landing, and headphones to take advantage of the inflight entertainment while working. I tend to be productive for about half a flight and then need other things to do. As well, while I love watching TV in the hotel beds before falling asleep, I still sleep best reading for a bit before turning out the light.
8. Thou shalt bring your own alarm
Rarely are those clock radios anywhere near reliable so I set my crackberry as I do most mornings I am home, I know it works and it will get me up.
9. Thou shalt spoil yourself
This week I worked really long hours, the time delay meaning that when I woke up around 6 I usually had at least 15 e-mails already to start responding to before my meetings and sessions started, then picked up whatever I had missed at the end of the day, as well as doing any real work I had to do. I have realized that taking advantage of room service, with either a glass of wine or a sundae (below) makes a big difference.
10. Thou shalt take a walk
At least once a day, get the hell out of whatever conference rooms you've been immured in. Even if its just around the block, over to that interesting store or cafe across the street - getting out and clearing your head will make a big difference. If you're somewhere where you don't get a lot or have never been, ask if there is somewhere near by to check out. Who knows what kind of cool souvenirs you may find!
I know there are usually ten of these but here is the most important commandment
11. Thou shalt follow the rules and GET OVER YOURSELF
Your liquid foundation is more than 100 mL but you really really want to keep it along with your four carry ons? You really need to keep texting despite us being ready for take off? Um, no. You are not a super special snowflake and as annoying as the rules may be these days they are there for a reason and we all have to abide by them. If you are blocking the aisle of the plane trying to lift your way too big and heavy carry on into the bin I am not going to be sympathetic unless you're over 75 and STILL. Travelling is not a rocket science but it does require you to be aware of what's going on around you, and realizing that your own incompetence doesn't make you endearing and one of the 'people' to your fellow passengers as you protest well publicized and very clear rules, but rather the person we all bond in hating. Just an FYI.
I hope that you will also take these commandments to heart and are all able to become efficient and happy travellers. I hope we can all share in a drink at an airport bar someday.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Accomplishments and balance
I got home tonight from bootcamp (with my usual workout buddy x-ine AND my dear friend S., who survived 3 minute winds sprints along side us tonight), and as I do, started scrolling through twitter as we made dinner to see if I had missed anything. I had, the news of Steve Jobs' very sad passing has come through.
Now I am writing this post on my I.Pad. The products he created impacted my life and truly changed the world around us. I saw someone on twitter tonight saying that he will some day be compared to the likes of Edison and I fully agree. He died too young but it cannot be said he did not accomplish a great deal in his life.
To be honest, I did not actually accomplish much today, I mainly sat in meetings, but while at times I sat and couldn't help but think about all the work I could have been doing at the same time, I was intellectually engaged and talking about relevant things. I struggle at time with balancing the rest of my life with my recently ramped up work commitments and part of the problem is that I (for the most part because I am human) like my job. It is challenging and interesting, I think I am doing some good while I am also being given the opportunity to grow. I, again for the most part, like the people I work with and want the 'team' I am on to succeed. So it's hard to turn my brain off, hard to leave when I have more to do and as of tomorrow I will be receiving a crack berry (so I'll now be carrying around 2! RIM should send flowers) which will make it all the harder. But I'm kind of ok with that. Because in the long run, it is part of what I want to accomplish in my life. Probably won't have quite the impact of Steve Jobs but there will be one from me, just give me time and more caffeine as fuel.
(PS I would very much like it for men younger than my father to stop dying please, he is thank goodness quite healthy, but one of my other major accomplishments in life I am striving for will be to see him as the awesome grandfather I know he will be. Just gotta work on the father of those kids still...)
Now I am writing this post on my I.Pad. The products he created impacted my life and truly changed the world around us. I saw someone on twitter tonight saying that he will some day be compared to the likes of Edison and I fully agree. He died too young but it cannot be said he did not accomplish a great deal in his life.
To be honest, I did not actually accomplish much today, I mainly sat in meetings, but while at times I sat and couldn't help but think about all the work I could have been doing at the same time, I was intellectually engaged and talking about relevant things. I struggle at time with balancing the rest of my life with my recently ramped up work commitments and part of the problem is that I (for the most part because I am human) like my job. It is challenging and interesting, I think I am doing some good while I am also being given the opportunity to grow. I, again for the most part, like the people I work with and want the 'team' I am on to succeed. So it's hard to turn my brain off, hard to leave when I have more to do and as of tomorrow I will be receiving a crack berry (so I'll now be carrying around 2! RIM should send flowers) which will make it all the harder. But I'm kind of ok with that. Because in the long run, it is part of what I want to accomplish in my life. Probably won't have quite the impact of Steve Jobs but there will be one from me, just give me time and more caffeine as fuel.
(PS I would very much like it for men younger than my father to stop dying please, he is thank goodness quite healthy, but one of my other major accomplishments in life I am striving for will be to see him as the awesome grandfather I know he will be. Just gotta work on the father of those kids still...)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A boyfriend for Christmas
That is the resolution one of my friends has recently made. We were out at the pub a stones throw from our office (I can see the patio from my cubicle window, it is very mean on bright sunny days), and after we had moaned and groaned about the bureaucracy we inhabit and have ended up helping perpetuate, we moaned and groaned about the lack of guys in the O-town.
Now, numerically, there are many men in this fair city of mine. However, meeting these men is the challenge. If I don't work with them, play a sport with them or they are a friend or friend of friend or coworker of a friend.... I may never encounter them. Online dating helps but that comes with it's own set of special circumstances. And when you are more than slightly discerning.... It's tough.
Now I have had days this week where lunch has been an afterthought and the month ahead makes me more than slightly want to weep. But I also have my annoying friends telling me about this life balance bullshit and a boyfriend certainly would be nice... So an effort I will make. When I can. Because a boyfriend for Christmas is not a repellent idea. Now who's got one for me? ;)
Now, numerically, there are many men in this fair city of mine. However, meeting these men is the challenge. If I don't work with them, play a sport with them or they are a friend or friend of friend or coworker of a friend.... I may never encounter them. Online dating helps but that comes with it's own set of special circumstances. And when you are more than slightly discerning.... It's tough.
Now I have had days this week where lunch has been an afterthought and the month ahead makes me more than slightly want to weep. But I also have my annoying friends telling me about this life balance bullshit and a boyfriend certainly would be nice... So an effort I will make. When I can. Because a boyfriend for Christmas is not a repellent idea. Now who's got one for me? ;)
Monday, September 19, 2011
26
That is indeed how old I am now. Eesh. I had no issues with 25, was even pretty excited for it and nary a quarter life crisis but now... C'mon, I'm closer to 30 than 20! that is NOT COOL.
Though at times I talk (and text) like I'm 13.
With all the extra work pressure and many outside of work commitments, ie. Weddings weddings weddings, I have been feeling as though I should be more mature. A bit more considered in my actions, more organized, less of a potty mouth. I may not have a boyfriend but I could read a smart book, instead of the Romance novels which are my current bread and butter of literature. (Vogue counts right? The last one I bought had a profile of the new head of the IMF).
And then this weekend I went to a friends birthday party. I went with another friend and on the way over we agreed to split one bottle of wine and head out by 11:30, max.
The night ended past 2 am, in a MacDonalds, after playing (and losing hard) Kings Cup, drinking way more than half a bottle of wine, asking acquaintances 'so - you still employed?' when I know they are likely on the chopping block, and flirting with a boy who I later discovered was very much taken.
And I had a BLAST. I'm 26, not dead, and I still have some fun in me. I'm going to continue to try new things, but am also going to continue enjoy the things I like to do, however immature. I'm going to return to New York City with 2 fabulous ladies and have a ridiculous time. I am going to let myself unwind on the weekends, and if that involves sleeping in, lazing about, spending my hard earned money on frivolous items and booze - SO BE IT.
I'll do my best but am not promising, to keep you informed of my exploits. Commitments of any kind are still a bit beyond me and that's ok.
Though at times I talk (and text) like I'm 13.
With all the extra work pressure and many outside of work commitments, ie. Weddings weddings weddings, I have been feeling as though I should be more mature. A bit more considered in my actions, more organized, less of a potty mouth. I may not have a boyfriend but I could read a smart book, instead of the Romance novels which are my current bread and butter of literature. (Vogue counts right? The last one I bought had a profile of the new head of the IMF).
And then this weekend I went to a friends birthday party. I went with another friend and on the way over we agreed to split one bottle of wine and head out by 11:30, max.
The night ended past 2 am, in a MacDonalds, after playing (and losing hard) Kings Cup, drinking way more than half a bottle of wine, asking acquaintances 'so - you still employed?' when I know they are likely on the chopping block, and flirting with a boy who I later discovered was very much taken.
And I had a BLAST. I'm 26, not dead, and I still have some fun in me. I'm going to continue to try new things, but am also going to continue enjoy the things I like to do, however immature. I'm going to return to New York City with 2 fabulous ladies and have a ridiculous time. I am going to let myself unwind on the weekends, and if that involves sleeping in, lazing about, spending my hard earned money on frivolous items and booze - SO BE IT.
I'll do my best but am not promising, to keep you informed of my exploits. Commitments of any kind are still a bit beyond me and that's ok.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Stress relief
In the government, summer is supposed to be easy. Two thirds of staff are on vacation (or so it seems), there's no one in Parliament to ask annoying questions about your department and you're still in the dawn of the new fiscal year. Easy-peasy.
Maybe for most. But not for me and my colleagues this year.
Yes it is several months into a new fiscal year but we still don't have 2/3 of our budget in place, it was only actually secured a few weeks ago. So we suddenly have 2/3 of the time we usually do to spend all our money in a responsible fashion.
I can deal with that, we knew it was coming, but thanks to a few HR shake ups, were suddenly operating minus some very key players and I have way more responsibility than I anticipated. So I'm a little stressed, or at least, way more than I should be for August.
I was good, I took vacation, generally ignored the crack berry but several days back into working my neck was already taut with tension and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
So while I do intend to abuse alcohol on a fairly regular basis (I do have birthday in just a few short weeks) and lacking a boyfriend for that other form of stress relief (not for lack of trying, and there may even be a few promising prospects), for the sake of my liver, my own sanity and that of my friends and coworkers, I need to find some ways to RELAX.
So far this week - I had a lovely massage which included venting to my very understanding masseuse (she told me people with a lot of tension in the forearms have issues with control, I'm surprised I can still feel my fingers if that's true). It's expensive but I think a habit I'll be keeping up.
Tonight my lovely roomie and I hit bootcamp, which though it involved way too many step ups on a high ledge than I would have preferred, also includes PUNCHING. I LIKE PUNCHING. Will definitely keep this up for the fall.
Still to come this week, a trip to the hot springs with my girls (which will involve martinis) and hanging out with my very bestie (which will involve wine).
I'm always trying to reward myself like with the possibility of awesome trips in a couple of months (NYC, and somewhere warm this winter). E
Maybe I can make it through all this craziness, with judicial applications of endorphins, pampering and alcohol (post boot camp beer tonight was awesome). But I am still open to suggestions - how do you relax? Anything but for illegal drugs and baths (I can't stand just sitting there and candles make me nervous) I'm probably game.
Maybe for most. But not for me and my colleagues this year.
Yes it is several months into a new fiscal year but we still don't have 2/3 of our budget in place, it was only actually secured a few weeks ago. So we suddenly have 2/3 of the time we usually do to spend all our money in a responsible fashion.
I can deal with that, we knew it was coming, but thanks to a few HR shake ups, were suddenly operating minus some very key players and I have way more responsibility than I anticipated. So I'm a little stressed, or at least, way more than I should be for August.
I was good, I took vacation, generally ignored the crack berry but several days back into working my neck was already taut with tension and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
So while I do intend to abuse alcohol on a fairly regular basis (I do have birthday in just a few short weeks) and lacking a boyfriend for that other form of stress relief (not for lack of trying, and there may even be a few promising prospects), for the sake of my liver, my own sanity and that of my friends and coworkers, I need to find some ways to RELAX.
So far this week - I had a lovely massage which included venting to my very understanding masseuse (she told me people with a lot of tension in the forearms have issues with control, I'm surprised I can still feel my fingers if that's true). It's expensive but I think a habit I'll be keeping up.
Tonight my lovely roomie and I hit bootcamp, which though it involved way too many step ups on a high ledge than I would have preferred, also includes PUNCHING. I LIKE PUNCHING. Will definitely keep this up for the fall.
Still to come this week, a trip to the hot springs with my girls (which will involve martinis) and hanging out with my very bestie (which will involve wine).
I'm always trying to reward myself like with the possibility of awesome trips in a couple of months (NYC, and somewhere warm this winter). E
Maybe I can make it through all this craziness, with judicial applications of endorphins, pampering and alcohol (post boot camp beer tonight was awesome). But I am still open to suggestions - how do you relax? Anything but for illegal drugs and baths (I can't stand just sitting there and candles make me nervous) I'm probably game.
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