Charming a Snake

My father in law, Pete, said the one picture he wanted was me with a snake charmer.  PETE - you'll be proud! Not only did I sit with the charmer, but I touched the snake!  Yes, a cobra.  Our group was standing around and I immediately sat down next to him (tipped him of course).  He played his snake flute (they can't hear it, they feel the vibration) and he had me touch the snake... then the snake HISSED at me!  OMG it was nuts.  But once in a lifetime.  Pete, these pics are for you.  xoxo!

The one below was as it hissed at me!  Yikes!

And here's a link to the video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0LvzXKPXNM

School Day 1

1/3/2011


Happy New Year! Well in the past 5 days I’ve lost both grandpas, and as Crystal said, it’s a good thing I’m in a spiritual place for the next month.  It’s definitely been surreal - being with Grandpa Bill when he died was extremely special.  Now coming to India and hearing of Grandpa Orlo’s death was even more surreal.  It’s like he’s gone, but I’m across the world, so it’s harder to digest the reality of it.  They both had great lives and I have amazing memories with each of them.  If Indians know the truth, then they will both have good karma for sure.


Yesterday was a great day to “get lost” in India.  Anne, Ben, Kelly, Fitz and I had brunch at the hotel, and only after we walked out, did we realize it was NOT free as we had heard!  We learned it was in fact almost 3,000 rupees per person!  A $68 brunch, of which I only ate a little.  Oh well - such is life and learning.


After brunch, Ben, Anne and I wandered the streets to see what we could find.  A nice man in a motorized rickshaw asked if he could help us.  We told him where we wanted to go and he said he could take us there for 20 rupees (50 cents).  We agreed.  The ride was well worth it to me!  This tiny little vehicle, and we were crammed in back together.  We went to a temple (shoes off), then a shop with overpriced merchandise (magic carpets! real rubies!) and the guy there told us a quote about Americans: “The tiger doesn’t know his own power but if he did he’d take over the world.”  He was a character.  We also went to the parliament, India Gate, and saw the president’s house.  The amusing part was when we were outside, all these college age kids started wanting to take pictures with us!  They asked us to take our pictures and held our hands, like we were celebrities.  It was quite amusing and slightly embarrassing.  


Now today is the big tour day of Delhi.  We started at a mosque, which was gorgeous, and we had to take our shoes off and wear saris.  It was very spiritual.  The best part of the day was the manual rickshaw rides, where we wove in and out of tiny Old Delhi alleys amidst thousands of people.  Very cool experience.  We also went to Ghandi’s place of burial (post-cremation), a small place called Have More for lunch, and an 800-year old structure.  We saw many sites out the windows and experienced some very interesting things.


It’s also amazing how many people are on the streets at all times.  I am noticing it very much depends on the part of the city we’re in (same as with New York or LA), but there are a lot of children begging, talking to us, putting their hands to their mouth signaling for food.  It’s all very sad.  It’s hard because you want to help them, but you can’t help all of them.  So then is it best to help none of them?  I’m not really sure.  Now we’re headed to a handicraft market, and in some serious traffic.  Then off to a nice dinner as a group!  More later…

 My friend Anne and me in front of Ghandi's memorial (above)

 800-year old building (below) - the tall one in between the arch/pillars.  Crystal, the light was gorgeous, I thought of you. :)

Thoughts from the Flight

12/31/10


“You’ve gotta learn to control the things in your mind above all else.”
                 -Richard, Eat Pray Love

In Eat Pray Love, I watched the Italy part during dinner on my business flight.  Of course we all know the Italy part is fairly fluffy.  Then (a couple cocktails in) I needed a nap, so I took a break, and now am getting into the India part.  The first scene when she’s in the taxi in India is alarming!  The streets, the people, the crazy sounds, the smog - am I really ready for all of this?  I am not sure.  I have an image in my head of what to expect, but of course, being there always completely wipes away the preconceived notions.  I wonder if what I picture is at all close to what will be.  

Now Liz is living at the Ashram and talking to her friend Richard about clearing her mind, controlling her mind.  Focus.  It’s something we all lack, especially in America.  Especially Millennials.  Especially Millennials in Corporate America!  I’m excited to find some focus on this journey, among other things.  Time for more of the movie!  More thoughts to come soon. :)

PS- Cows are mooing in the background in the movie.  Am I REALLY ready for this?!?

“So the holy truth of the whole adventure here in India is in one line: ‘God dwells within you, as you.’  God’s not interested in watching a performance of how a spiritual person looks and behaves, the quiet girl who glides silently through the place with an ethereal smile - who is that person? Not me… God dwells within me, as me.”

The next month will prove to be equally as spiritual as talking to Grandpa Bill while standing by his bed as he dies.  It will be equally as spiritual in a completely different way.  It will be more about the unseen than the seen.  It will be new to my senses and help me see life the way a huge part of the world sees it.  This huge part of the world - over 1 billion people - see the world from a completely different point of view.  It will be cool.

“Sometimes to lose balance for love is part of living balance in life.” So true!  How often in love do we feel balanced?  The best part of Jake is that he IS balance, the definition of balance.  He is my rock and keeps me sane.  However, there are still ups and downs, questions and insecurities.  There are risks to be taken.  It’s about knowing the right risks to take.  

And, as the movie closes out:

“I believe in the physics of the quest - a force of nature governed by laws as real as the laws of gravity.  The rule of quest physics goes something like this: if you’re brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house, to bitter old resentments and set out in a truth seeking journey either externally or internally, and if you’re truly willing to regard everything that happens on that journey as a clue, and you accept everyone you meet on that journey as a teacher, and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.  I can’t help but believe it, given my experience.”

-Liz Gilbert, Eat Pray Love 

That’s probably enough on Eat Pray Love.  It’s 10pm at home, New Year’s Eve.  It’s got to be like 3am wherever we are.  The map shows the airplane just south of Iceland.  Yes, I bet it’s 3am.  So New Year’s already sort of happened.  Happy 2011!  I have a feeling it’s going to be a REALLY good year.

"Art becomes science...

"... that's what progress is.  Innovation moves away and leaves only execution.  Stay ahead of the curve."


We talked about this in our India prep class.  It's a cool concept and so relatable to both my school and work life.  Bear with me here, I think you'll catch on quickly.  


I've realized this semester how all of my classes are somehow connected with one another, and really, to this bigger concept of business on a global scale.  The quote above was by my India professor, Mani, and refers to the contrast between art and science.  He argued (and I agree) that everything starts out as an art.  Innvoation and creativity start the next big idea.  As we learn more about it, we get the science behind it, document the steps, and institutionalize the knowledge.  


This happened in farming - the art of getting the perfect crop  We measured how much sunlight, water, and the right type of soil to turn innovation in farming into common practice.  It happened in wood shops, when wood workers would hand craft their goods.  It happened when the best and the brightest tackled things like architecture, physics, and computer programming.  Where will it happen next?


The art and the science.  


This is what I also focus on at work.  The art is less trainable.  How do I focus on training the art and the science of project management?  The steps are easy to articulate.  How does one teach the unpredictable side?  As we've progressed, industries like handicrafts, farming, and manufacturing - with their scientific steps and process - have moved to lesser developed countries to leave the art of consulting, education, and many other jobs in the service sector here.  


Why is any of this relevant?  As I plan for my trip to India, I'll be going somewhere that has capitalized on crazy-huge demand for perfecting the science.  India has executed with such high quality that has never before been reached.  The mass scale in which these companies I will visit have streamlined their unique process, turned profits based on the detailed steps of running a call center, programming computers, consulting on systems infrastructure, or other repetitive tasks is impressive.  What's next for India?  How do we stay ahead of an emerging market that will also someday realize that to stay ahead of the curve, there is a need to incorporate art, freedom of thought, creativity and innovation into their industries?  


Again, I'll say it.  "Art becomes science... that's what progress is.  Innovation moves away and leaves only execution.  Stay ahead of the curve."  


Make sense now?

Thankful

I think this year I realized that Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday.  Or maybe third favorite, but it's actually much higher than I ever give it credit for.  I just LOVE the family time, the low key-ness, the fantastic meal, the games, the coziness, and the start to a lazy four-day weekend.  Even more, I've been reflecting on how thankful I am.  Lots has happened in the surroundings of the Wires family in the past 2 months, including:

• Grandpa Orlo having lung/heart problems and moving to a nursing home permanently
• Grandpa Bill having a heart attack and stroke and moving to a rehab center/nursing home permanently
• Dad falling and cracking his ribs Sunday before Thanksgiving!
• Natalie's boyfriend's dad died yesterday of a sudden heart attack, completely unexpectedly

These things, among others, give us perspective.  The first two are sad, but the grandparents have had amazing lives.  It takes a lot of work for my parents (of which I am thankful) to get them transitioned into their new homes.  They are both in their 80s, have experienced life, love, and families of their own.  They got to witness their grandkids grow into adults.  Then when my dad fell, which normally would have been HUGE, I thought, "Okay, let's just take it easy, this isn't a show stopper."  Then when Natalie had to support her boyfriend's family yesterday, I felt that the Wires family is quite lucky.  Quite thankful, indeed.  In fact, these are some things I am especially thankful for this year:

• Getting through another semester of grad school, and while crazed, enjoying most of it. 1 year left!!!
• Finding peace in my career.  This was a 2010 goal, and I SO have!
• My new little Matthies Family feeling more like a family with the three of us (Callaway included!)
• Jake's blessing in disguise - leaving KinderCare and starting at Crave, and back in school - the next chapter in his life
• My In-Laws, who are fantastic people, individually and as a collective unit. Seriously.
• Build-Your-Own Golf League on Thursdays, with Matt, Trace and Colleen
• Watching Grey's on Thursdays while cooking with Crystal and Signe
• That we are fortunate enough to travel the country and attend 11 weddings in 6 months
• The New 90210
• My first SmartPhone - the Google MyTouch Slide
• Hanging out with my sister, having breakfast, shopping for Halloween costumes, walking the lakes or bike riding
• Sunday night phone calls with my mom (or whatever day of the week they end up being)
• My upcoming monthlong trip to India
• Girls' fondue nights and our upcoming book club (yes, I am excited for this.)
• The impromptuly-fun brunch at Signe's this past Saturday
• Bananagrams!
• The fact that I have found a new creative outlet for writing in this blog, and for all of you who read it!

Enjoy your holiday season - I know I will!

Allison

Life Lessons from Callie's Perspective

 

Hi everyone, it's me, Callie.  I am 1 year old today!  I have learned so much in my first year of life and I thought I would share some of my life lessons with you.  Maybe they'll fit your situation, too.

1. Loyalty is the best policy.  It shouldn't matter what your family does, or what they don't or can't do - you must be there for each other through everything.  That's the point of family.
2. Superficial things don't really matter.  When Jake and Allison wake up in the morning, I give them kisses and show them how excited I am to see them.  This is before any teeth brushing, fancy clothes, or make up.  I love them when they're in sweatpants (especially when I tug at the sweatpants!)
3. That brings me to my next point - when you love people, show them all the time!  Jake and Allison always know how much I love them.  It's never a question.
4. Make time to play.  This is my favorite!  I love undivided attention from Jake or Allison, and sometimes I have to remind them to put down computers, TV remotes, and books so we can focus on the importance of playing together, being silly, and running circles in the house.  
5. Always come home.  I like my sense of adventure, and sometimes I wander and travel and get into danger, but I also have a sense for coming home and knowing it's the best place in the world. (Sometimes I realize it only after they corner me and I have no choice!)
6. People who are sad sometimes just need someone to listen.  They don't always need advice, or need your own similar story told.  When Jake or Allison is sad, I just let them talk it out.  I am also very good at licking all the tears off Allison's face!  I can sense sadness and know what my role should be every time.
7. Life is short.  Cherish every moment together.  Get excited about the little things, so excited you can hardly stand it.  I do!!!

 Love, Callie   

I believe...

There's a section in every Glamour where a notable woman writes 5 things she believes.  They can be anything, big or small, substantial or trivial.  Some women write about politics; others write about lipstick.  I've always wanted to write "my 5", and here they are:


I believe...

• In investing in expensive bedding. You spend a third of your life there, right? (or in my case closer to half)
• That differences in people DO matter... in a really good way.
• That more than half of good ideas are born while washing your hair or trying to fall asleep at night.
• That you should practice a presentation out loud before giving it (in front of the mirror, to your husband, in your car, etc.)
• That when you love people, you should TELL THEM.

What are YOUR 5?

Figure out what you REALLY want to do...

Some people ask why I'm getting an MBA.  For me, it's fairly simple. I. like. school.  I do!  I have always been an academic.  An old friend used to call me "the perfect student."  I strive for good grades, I edit and re-edit my papers, I feel a sigh of relief (and sense of accomplishment) after a presentation or a test.  So why business school?


Well, I've always liked business.  I first realized it back in high school when my Economics teacher, Mr. Puhrmann, taught us the difference between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics by instructing us to sit at our desks, then to STAND ON our desks.  Then to see the difference, we sat down again.  (You guess which is which).


We're all surrounded by them - people who are dragged down by chores, tasks, errands, and other "must-do's".  We get eyerolls at the grocery store, or snappy responses at the dry cleaner.  Sometimes I can be that snappy person - yes, I know!  But then there are people like Mr. Puhrmann, or my college Econ professor, Henry Hays, or our EVP of Property Development at Target.  His name is John Griffith, and he spoke to our department this summer.  He ended his speech with an inspiring moment (which I wasn't really expecting at the time).  The key to happiness - the key to life: FIGURE OUT what it is you really want to do.  This is the hard part.  Figure it out.  Then...


DO IT!


Maybe Nike was right all along.


(This is some great food for thought, and part of the reason I'm getting my MBA - it's helping me in my quest to figure out what I REALLY want to do.  The other part is that truly, I just like being a student.) :)

Temporary Home

                                 "This is my temporary home, 

                                 It's not where I belong

                                 Windows and rooms, 

                                 That I'm passing through

                                 This is just a stop 

                                 On the way to where I'm going 

                                 I'm not afraid because I know 

                                 This is my temporary home."

-Carrie Underwood  

My grandpa had a heart attack last week, followed by a stroke 2 days later.  The heart attack was not bad, but the stroke was pretty massive.  I spent time with him after the heart attack, and he was normal Grandpa.  After the stroke, he was no longer normal Grandpa.  "Normal" per se.  I know he's still in there, working on some of the things we first notice like talking, moving his limbs, smiling.  It's been a bit of a shock but I do feel comforted by a couple things: 

1. Grandpa has lived a good life. He has had many friends, experienced many things, and as I quote The Notebook, he has "loved another with all [his] heart and soul, and that has always been enough." Yes, he loved my grandma in a way that I strive to love Jake for years to come. 
2. The superficial things don't matter.  No, he will probably not return to his home.  He will likely need to move to assisted living of some sort, and will not be able to do many of the daily activities we take for granted.  But he still has heart, and he still loves, and he will until his last breath.
3. I do believe in Heaven, and I do think he will be reunited with my grandma when it's time.  And this will put everything at ease.  He has been sad ever since she died 8 years ago.  Over the past 8 years, she has been his main focus.  His thoughts have always pointed to her.  

It's going to be hard, but we have had some amazing times and I'm so lucky in that respect.  After college, when I lived in Uptown, he picked me up many mornings and drove me downtown for work.  These short morning conversations will always be close to me, as will the way he friended my roommates and Jake.  In this picture he came over for roommate dinner with Becky, Kristi and me.  We had ridiculously spicy chicken tortilla soup, and he spent a lot of time playing with Kristi's dog, Burnsie.  Years before, he let my friend Tai live with him for 6 months while she was student teaching.  She and her now husband started their "mini-dates" at his house!  

It's so great to have memories like this.  And these memories - of a good life lived - are what keep us strong when something limiting happens to a dear loved one.  

And so the next journey begins...

Tonight I was able to meet my group of co-travelers on this year's upcoming study abroad trip to India!  India - this is UNREAL.  I am super pumped about the trip, which is just over 2 short months away.  I am excited for a few reasons:

• I've never been to Asia, and this will be a great way to immerse myself in a new continent
• Traveling for school grants access to many things tourists do not get - such as factory visits, meeting CEO's of companies, government visits, etc.  Plus I get to share a room with a complete stranger for 2 weeks - always a unique experience!
• Really, this will be my first time in this level of third world.  Yes, India is an emerging market.  Yes, there are parts that are quite prosperous.  And yes, I've seen poverty in Peru, Chile, Argentina.  But South America and India are quite different and this will be a new level for me.
• The professor - Mani - is wonderful.  He is Indian and I was able to take a class from him last spring.  I have heard he truly makes the trip worth it!

We spend the first week of January in Delhi (I will be flying over the ball dropping in every time zone from Europe to North America).  Then we will fly to Bangalore for the second week.  I've heard the two are like completely different countries in climate, culture, industry, etc.  I can't wait to see the difference.

Even further, we have a Target office in Bangalore.  I have gotten to know various individuals in the Bangalore office during the last 6 months in my new job, and these people are truly wonderful.  We get to visit Target Bangalore for the school program, and I can't wait to see it in person!

More to come on India, but for now, I just wanted to say that I can't wait for this experience.  Traveling in this capacity has always been amazing to me - from Europe to South America, and now to Asia.  I truly am lucky and extremely grateful for all I am able to do in this lifetime.