Broadway Musical - DONE!

It will come as no suprise to anyone that knows me that I often tell people I think I was born in the wrong generation. As long as I can remember I have been saying to friends and to family - I just think that I am in the wrong time, that I think I would be much better suited to say, the 1930s and 1940s.

A major reason for my choice of this time frame is the MUSICAL ERA! I absolutely love musicals, I love the clothes, the style, the culture... the period. Fullstop.

So naturally, on my 'Things to do in my life list' - attend a musical on Broadway in NYC and at the West End in London were very high on the list.

Last night I crossed off the NYC musical.

I attended THE PRODUCERS with a good friend Lynsey who got two free $100 tickets from a friend at work who could not longer attend and decided to give them out instead of allowing the money/show to go to waste.

WHAT A NIGHT IT WAS!!

I would highly recommend this musical to ANYONE! I actually did not know any of the songs, or the plot line - but I think that just added to the entire experience. And I have never seen such a FUNNY, Hilarious musical... and SO politically incorrect!

Ahhhh SUCH an amazing night - and a memory I will carry with me forever as a musical fan.

Thanks Lyns

Chilled

Thanks everyone for the words and emails of support... I am fine, actually great today... all things happen for a reason, and I have a few clues as to what I have gotten out of this experience now... and I will share them when I get a chance.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Knus Mazzy xx

NYC Madness

So much to share but here are some quick highlights:

* Getting into a Philippino Embassy event on 5th Avenue with Anuj. We walked in, where there was free alcohol, free food, self service and a great variety of people. We met a guy who used to do the music management of Bon Jovi about 10 years ago named Zev, another music guy, a gallery owner, and some awesome Philippino artists.

* Getting free $100 tickets with Lynsey to see the Broadway Musical - The Producers. It was ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, and really hilarious. I enjoyed every second of it, and it was also amazing because it has been a life long dream of mine to see a broadway musical ON broadway.

* Curry in a Hurry night with the Baruch AIESECers and Ali from Austin. We had some yummy food, then went to an Irish pub then randomly went to the United Nations Convention Party in the Hilton New York. But we left early at 3am because we were exhasuted from the site seeing in the day time.

* Hanging out at Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, Hersheys, and all the other cool tourist spots in Manhattan.

* Sleeping at Lynseys house at Brooklyn, and seeing the OTHER more suburban side of NYC

* Scary subway experience.... will share more later.

* Finally getting an emergency passport... so that means I can leave NYC tonight and head back to Montreal

* Catching up with the US National staff and hanging out with them in the MC office. Apparently tonight we will have some drinks aswell ... Shads Happy Hour with Mahbod. Looking forward to the craziness ahead with that...

So thats all for now... we are about to head out and get some lunch from a place called Coco...

Will write more and post more pictures later.

SO MANY THINGS TO SHARE FROM THIS CRAZY TRIP.

Connie Time

Thanks for the great chat today babe.... FINALLY!!!!

We are SOOOOO meeting up in Europe, and in the meantime there will definately be many drunk dials :-)

Hugs Mazzy xx

Where is Mazzy?

For the last few days I know that many people have been wondering where I have been, since I was supposed to arrive in NYC on Friday night for a mega catchup and party - something I missed out on.

The Reason?

My bag went missing at a Service station on the i95 highway to New York city on Friday night. It was pretty serious actually - I lost my passport, my rent money and my return ticket to Montreal - not to mention alot of other personal items. I think at first I was in shock - I mean was this really happening? It was a dream right? But the stressed faces of Chris, Anuj, Rich and Desiree told m that in fact it was a real scenario we were facing.

So already arriving in NY late on Friday night after getting lost on the way to Balingers house - I started calling like a madwoman - The Conneticut State Police, the New Haven Police, Police Troup G, F and I, Highway Patrol... etc and at 3 in the morning I finally stopped.... emotionally drained I accepted the situation, and started to prepare for the conseuqences.

I will not go into those consequences but they are pretty far reaching - meaning that I am really worried about going to Amsterdam and my now impending costs on an already tight budget.

I have the weirdest feeling right now - I mean of course I am glad to be in NY, but at the same time I am finding it hard to enjoy the trip with all the stress of the money, and the passport stuff. And to make it worse I was really double thinking coming due to my finances but I thought... well we are driving and its a bargain, and I had allocated just enough - it was meant to be a farewell to North America. The main motivation aswell for me going was to see Washington which I have had to cancel.

It is a really tough scenario... I am trying to see the positive, but its a bit hard at the moment and it is safe to say that my current mood is of worry and stress....

I know all things happen for a reason - I am just yet to work out the bigger reason for my prolonged stay in NY and the spill-off effects of it.

WHY?

Colarado Loving

My sister in randomness and of MORE MOTHER fame is in town - LAUREN FROM COLARADO!

She is here with a few school friends for a short trip to Montreal.

Last night I met up with them, and as always it was loads of laughs and mostly about the silliest things - it's too bad that we cannot hang out more, since I am leaving for US this afternoon.

Oh well.... We will be catching up in Europe in a few months, so that is going to be SUPER FUN!!!

Thanks Lauz babe for a great night :-) Have fun with the Karaoke hunting, and ticket payments....

and one last thing.... MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MOTHER!!!!

Mass Farewell

Goodbye, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

What a strange week.

I have a farewell EVERY NIGHT before I leave for US.

Last night was my friend Chris from NZ had a farewell at his house. We had seafood crepes and PAVLOVA. It was a nice night.

Tonight is my roomies farewell for France - she is leaving on Tuesday so I am getting a few people together at our apartment for some final drinks.

Also Astrid is leaving to go back to Belgium.

It is weird with people leaving... it does not feel like people are leaving but next week a good portion of the people I hang out with here in Montreal will be in different continents of the world.

Amazing.

I will write more when it actually hits me that people are leaving, for now it its surreal. But I must admit I am getting used to the constant flutter of people in and out of my life.

The other day at work, someone said to me... Mazzy, how do you do it? I couldnt handle the constant changes etc...

The answer? I thrive on this way of living... life is ALWAYS exciting, and plus I cannot imagine just having the same people all the time... I am so used to the constant meeting, and connecting with people. It has become my NORM.

USA All the WAY!

USA All the WAY!
Originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Tomorrow night I will be leaving on THE planned roadtrip with Chris, Anuj, Rich, and Desiree. We will be travelling to Boston, then to New York for the Weekend and finally finishing off in Washington.

It is exciting to be leaving to new places again.

It is also very exciting to be catching up with some good friends in US: Asha, Suzanne, Rickesh, Simi and the US team, Lynsey, Lavi, Jaro, Tereza and Baruch, Annie, Ali, Andrew, Franky & Washington.

Gosh in a couple of days I will see some faces I have not seen in many months, and some friends that I have not caught up with in a LONG time (Lynsey) - that is just making my day here sooooo wonderful.

Tonight Lauren is also arriving from Colarado with her friend Mike. They are crashing at my place, and she may also come along for some NYC loving :-)

It is all the more fantastic because I am armed with the knowledge I have a limited time left in North America before I head for Europe again; so I want to see as much as I can before I leave.

Have to make the most of the time here :-)

Travel Details

One of the things that makes me most excited in the world is getting a travel itinery or flight ticket.

So I am pretty happy now -)
____________________________
Flight #:
LX0087

Airline:
Swiss

Depart:
05:10 PM

Airport:
Trudeau Intl Apt Montreal Que
Montreal, QC
Canada
................................................................................

Arrive:
30 April 2005

Airport:
Zurich Arpt
06:20 AM


Zurich
Switzerland

Saturday - 30 April 2005

Flight #:
LX0724

Airline:
Swiss
....................................................................................................

Depart:
07:20 AM

Airport:
Zurich Arpt
Zurich
Switzerland
................................................................................................

Arrive:
08:55 AM

Airport:
Amsterdam-Schiphol Arpt
Amsterdam
Netherlands

Thunderbolt Baby

I was just walking up the corridor, thinking about stuff when it hit me......

....the topic for my Masters Thesis (when I actually do my masters).

I know exactly what I am going to research and write upon :-)

I am going to start researching it in the next month while I have the extra time to do so....

Thunderbolt Baby!

Hit List

So I have started getting really excited about working in Europe - and have just realised, I will be there over the entire summer period.

So many cool things are bound to happening.

This time around I have a country HIT LIST, my 5 most wanted places to experience:

1. SPAIN
2. CROATIA
3. CZECH REPUBLIC
4. SLOVAKIA
5. ITALY

Of course I want to go to Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Portugal... I mean anywhere is great. BUT I want to walk out of this year having visited these places specifically.

Isn't it amazing how just writing this down can cause crazy excitement!

Dutch Baby, OH YEAH!

So I have finally decided to GO TO NETHERLANDS!!!

After seeking external input, talking on the phone, sitting and reflecting, and taking an msn poll :-), I realised that this is definately an experience I want in the next few months.

I looked at my big picture, my overall outcome - which is to start a youth development organisation. And one thing I lack is the hardcore people development environment of a large MNC. I have the NGO experience, the university sector experience... now I just need some coroporate people development experience.

I am thrilled that the role is only 6 months - that enables me to get a high level quality experience, in a minimum amount of time; whilst allowing me the soonest possible option for starting my organisation at the end of this year. Plus many of the people I want to network with around learning and youth development, are currently located in Europe.

I must admit that the thought of going to India, to Africa, to Asia is definately appealing - and on the country location side of things, this caused me alot of thought. Do I want to be in Western Europe again? My answer YES because it is the professional experience I need, and plus many of my closest friends are in Europe; so it is also like going 'home'.

I am just SO excited about it now that I have decided, and really feel it is the best decision, the best way to get the experience I need in a timeframe that fits into my bigger picture.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who talked to me about it. Bergio who applied mathematical formulas with me to reach an outcome, Jen and Digs for the mega msn chat, Tee, Chris, Mark, Asha, Mims, Anuj, Melissa, Wei, Esther, Dan and everyone who commented on my blog :-) You guys ROCK!!

The best thing about this whole experience is that it has reminded me of the wonderful friends that I have in my life, and the awesome network of people I have at my disposal to personally challenge me. Seriously amazing.

Francophones Galore!

More Sugar Shack in Sherbrooke: March 2005

Sugar Shack ' 05

Sugar Shack in Sherbrooke: March 2005

Thoughts?

Last week I posted about ABN AMRO, about the interview and the feeling within it. I believed that at the end of the interview that we had come to the conclusion that I was not for ABN and ABN was not for me.

Apparently not.

I recieved a call today from the lovely Kilian and Claire, asking me if I wanted the job, that they would love to have me on board. That they had reflected on it and had the following to say:

1. Routine Work. A big discussion point in the first interview was that I was not good at routine tasks, that I was quick to lose interest. This contradicted with the fact that a large strategy they were pushing involved database management. But they have taken that part out of my role, so I would be involved in Talent Management and Global Diversity only.

2. Office Culture. They were explaining that they have an open office. So everyone is sitting around, talking, working together all the time, and it is like any other HR department. That although the finance industry is more slow moving, the office I am in is very fast paced and different from what my perceptions might be.

3. Team Fit. They really felt that I would fit really well into the team - they had thought about my personality and were quite excited to have me on board.

So now I am more confused - it is not so clear cut. Plus it is a short time role and responsibility (6 months) so it is enough to get the experience I am looking for...

What are thoughts out there? I would appreciate as many opinions and advice as possible.

Thanks

Unknown

I was helping Lanchanie and Esther with the India SN preparation session on Sunday - and it has really stayed with me. Hearing about people talk about their experiences in a culturally diverse environment, laughing at the funny miscommunication stories, hearing about the absolutely different reality - well it very much inspired me.

So I have printed out a Map of Africa, Asia and South America - Places I have barely touched upon in my travels. Places that facsinate me - that are intriguing for their cultural and community differences.

Looking at these Maps just makes me want to get on a motorbike like the guy from the Motorcycle diaries, and head out to the absolute unknown.

Exhausted Satisfaction

So I am mega tired, low on energy but amazingly satisfied.

I just got back from one of the best weekends from my time here in Canada - SUGAR SHACK 2005

Here are some highlights:

* Roadtripping it to Sherbrooke with Anuj, Jocelyn and one of the French SNs who sat on my review board. It was a lovely trip up, stopping at Subway where we were exposed to the most effecient subway service of all time

* Dancing it up at a cool nightclub called Living with about 40 other AIESECers.

* After-Party fun at John-Nics house - and consequently staying up ALL NIGHT LONG

* 'Facilitating' a dodgy training conference with Lanchanie and Anuj. LANCHANIE is officially one of my favourite people to work with, I want to put her in my office so I can use her funny commments when I need them.

* Doing like 12 line dances whilst stalling for time with starting the training day

* Attending Sugar Shack - More will be posted on this later

* Again afterparty fun at John-Nics house :-) 2 hours of sleep this time.

* Missing my ride home to Montreal, and busing it with Harit an Indian working for the MC here... and boy can he talk! The entire bus journey was a talkfest.

* Helping run the India Sn prep session at HEC

* Finally making contact with bed again.

As you can see I am being brief, my hands are even tired, and when I have recovered more energy I will definately be posting more pictures, and describing sugar shack more fully.

BUT GREAT WEEKEND!!

It's all about to happen ...

... Yes it looks like the planned and much talked about US trip is going to happen.

We are all set to go travel to Boston - NYC - Washington on Easter Weekend for some long awaited fun and craziness.

Total Goodness.

So US gang... COME ALONG, or expect some phone calls when I am on US SOIL!

What a crazy month March is turning out to be :-)

Le Cabane a Sucre

Maple Syrup
Originally uploaded by Mazzy.

I am so excited because tonight I am leaving to the city of Sherbrooke for the weekend.

Why?

For a Quebec tradition called Sugar Shack or in French, LA CABANE A SUCRE. You see, The springtime (March and April) is the best time for Maple Syrup formation as the temperatures in the night are freezing and in the day above zero. This is when it is best to make the maple syrup.

So this weekend I am going to experience this tradition in action - the making of the syrup, the celebration of Maple Syrup, and a have a hard core sugar fest!

I am so excited....

I AM IN CANADA BABY!!!

Fast

" ...Fast is a state of mind.

If you're fast, you don't accept the status quo. You plan for your moment to shine and when it comes -- pow! -- run for daylight and don't look back. Being fast is taking on an impossible task and bit by bit making it work. It's imagining a better world (or even one that smells like chocolate). Here are the winners of Fast Company's fourth annual global readers' challenge -- every one of them an innovator, dreamer, and doer. Just what did you accomplish in 2004? ..."

So sitting in my office, thinking about my company idea again (old story), and thought I would go to one of my favourite websites Fast Company. Decided that it would be good to read about the Fast 50 Companies for 2005.

Pretty inspiring reading.

Fast, Fast, Fast... the thoughts are ticking over in my head as I write.

Potential

Potential
Originally uploaded by Mazzy.

OK, that is it.

If you are reading this, and are interested in mobilising to UK, or North America to start up an organisation specialising in different aspects of youth learning (and I will leave it at that at the moment because obviously to say more would be silly) - want to take the entreprenuerial path, want to start something new...

LET ME KNOW.

Contact me at mazzacaz@gmail.com ASAP.

I am just scanning interest, and talking to different people now.

Director of 'Freshness'?

"...The company has employed a “director of freshness” responsible for making the workplace more inspiring with ideas such as working in the park on a sunny day or having magicians in the office. It does not want any day to be just another day at the office — hence assaults on the senses such as the crocodile curry and foot spas..."

Mediacom

Montreal Faces

Montreal Faces, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Montreal Faces II, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Wisdom

'When the lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window'

The Sound of Music says it best.

No Bank for Me

I am thrilled.

Why?

I just finished a phone interview with ABN AMRO for a HR Organisational Development role.

How did it go?

WONDERFUL, but not for the traditional reasons that I am expecting a job offer. Rather, I entered the phone interview very apprehensive about why I was applying for a role in the financial sector. Last night I did not even feel the need to prepare, I was not even motivated to research the organisation.

Fabio says - Maybe you do not want it Maz
Chris says - Maybe you do not want it Maz
Mims says - Maybe you do not want it Maz
Anuj says - Maybe you do not want it Maz

SO I ask myself - Do I really want it?

Well yes, I mean I get MNC experience, better money, networks...all good right?

Anyway, I go into the phone interview with a different perspective - I am not going to get the job, I am going to find out if i WANT the job.

I am interviewed by two ABN AMRO executives - Claire and Kilian. They are great, and pretty quickly we establish a rapport.

I am instructed to tell them about the 'interesting' experiences that they can see on my resume - and I do so. I notice that my apprehension subsides, and passion enters my voice as I do so.

They explain the role to me - it sounds ok, but 50% of it would be routine work... wait, one of my weaknesses is that I do not respond well to mundane tasks. Hmmm does not sounds good.

They tell me how dynamic I sound, how they can hear the passion - then we cut to the honest talk. Mazzy, honestly speaking - Claire says - I have been working in the financial industry for 5 years now, the other 35 was in commerical. I can tell you it was very hard for me to adjust to the conservative traditional environment. How would you react to that, being the obviously creative person you are?

Well I tell her honestly, that was my biggest concern walking into this phone interview - whether I would fit with the organisational culture.

Can I draw upon your ideas and experience, and abandon this interview for a minute? I ask.

This is who I am, this is what I love - is this the role, or sector for me?

Honestly speaking Mazzy - I think that you would be amazing here BUT for you, probably a smaller more dynamic, organisation would better fit, and one that is not in the financial industry.

I tell her, actually I don't think that this is news to me, I think somehow I knew it all along.

Of course they are going to reflect and we will both have time to think things over, but I am so happy. The interview went well from my point of view - I clarified what I already knew... I am not meant to be working in a bank, this is like the anti-christ of what I admire, and require in my working life.

As much as I would learn (and I don't doubt that), I am not working into an optimal 'me' reality .... no, there are many more multi-national organisations which are more fast moving, forward thinking, with huge momentum - and if I am going to be working for someone else for awhile longer, I better damn well like them, and what they stand for. Its another sector for me I think.

Decision - MADE.

Annoying

Definition: Typing a blog entry, and then having a technical problem that requires you to retype it.

Not a huge thing granted, but who has the time or desire to re-do something they have already completed?

No-one.

Why?

Because it is annoying.

Current Feeling: Annoyed.

Just a little Daydream

I am sitting here at work, looking out of the window onto the most lovely sight - a snow blizzard that has hit Montreal. It is gorgeous, and it never ceases to amaze me, how the city can be covered by a blanket of white in the matter of a few minutes. The snowflakes are large and full, and fall slowly to the ground -

But it is not this that I am thinking about.

I am daydreaming about being in a cabin on a beach. No where specific, any beach, any cabin will do.

I am sitting on the verandah of the cabin with some good friends. It is that time of night when the sun is setting, and the heat of the day is silenced by a refreshing summer breeze....

I am sitting listening to the waves crash against the shore
I am watching the passers by, listening to them chitter chatter and walk their dog
I am feeling the sun on my face, and smelling the BBQ being cooked for dinner
I am sipping a cold glass of wine, and contemplating life with those in my company
I am wearing my cossies, my sarong, and my thongs (the Aussie version thank you very much)

I am just about to run into the water...

I am happy.

I think that seeing the summer pictures of Mums Party on the weekend has made me really think about all the joys of summer. And to be honest, as much as I love these snow blizzards, I would swap it for a warm climate anyday :-)

Mum's 50th Party

Mum's 50th Party, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

Captain Strange

Just been sitting on the bus, next to a young guy. Nice looking, blue eyes... and then he starts singing really loud hits from The Beatles. And there is the usual reaction, some people smile, some people look away, some people giggle because it is out of the realm of normal accepted behaviour. You see, when you get on a bus in Canada, you should really sit quiet, and try not to disturb others - something that this guy was obviously violating with his loud roudy tunes.

I found the whole thing fascinating, and If I did not have to get off the bus, I think I may have actually started singing with him. And it made me feel so good, just being around someone who was doing something abnormal... well it was liberating.

I got off the bus with the BIGGEST smile on the face.

And consequently I started thinking about it more, how much I am drawn to people that are different, the more odd, the more zany, the more unpredictable the better... I find such people fascinating. Or even with people who appear bizarre, I love finding the zany parts that exist within them, the odd little deviations in peoples personalities.

People can really fascinate me. I guess thats why I am now off to a coffee shop, to read a book, and to also watch and observe people on the streets, and wonder who they are and what their story is...

Too dooo looo....

Happy Birthday Mum

mum & nicky, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

It is my mums 50th birthday party today - and apparently it is going to be HUGE. It is an Orange Party so everyone has to come dressed in orange, they have orange lights on the verandah and around the pool area, Dad has organised trivia and games for everyone, and many people have been working on preparing for the special event.

It is times like these that it is strange not being at home, hearing about all the activity, visualising just how everything will be happening.

So I am staying up REALLY late tonight to call them all, and speak to everyone. I am actually pretty excited about it.

But I just wanted to say, MUM YOU ARE THE BEST, and have the MOST AMAZING 50th Celebration ever :-)

Talk to you soon,

Love Mazzy xx

What's going on?

The other day, one of my roomie friends left on a plane to Australia. She is going for 6 months to live and work in Sydney. Naturally, I met up with her a few times to help her prepare for her first experience abroad. On one of these occasions I was describing to her downtown Sydney, and advised her to stay at the central YHA hostel which is really awesome and good value for money.

Great, she says. What street is that on? Which station should I get off at?

Oh ok, let me draw a map for you, I replied. I mean it should only take a few minutes, and let me draw you a map of the downtown train stops aswell. So I proceeded to draw for her what I thought would only take a few minutes. To my total shock, I could not remeber some of the main street names in Sydney... I was like.. yeah walk down this street.... ummm... I am not sure... give me a second. Gosh almighty I finally confessed... I have forgotten the name of that street. Ok let me draw the metro for you... there is the city circle which has the following stops... Central, St James, Museum, Circular Quay and ... DAMN, I have forgotton again, there is another stop... what is it? Mum later informed me that it was Town Hall. OF COURSE, you crazy nut Maz... you would often get off at that stop.

Ok, Wake up call. I am starting to forget some the details from my own country.

So, life proceeds and I catch up with Astrid who is a Belgium AIESECer doing a CEED with AIESEC in Montreal. She was doing her traineeship in Denmark last year, so of course we have ALOT to chat about. All is going well until she asks, so Mazzy where did you live in Copenhagen? Completely amiss I stall for time... well, umm... it started with N, gosh why can't I remember this...I caught Bus 5A to get home, man this is driving me insane I tell her... what is happening to me!!!

Sure enough it is on my mind all night. You know the deal though right, the more you think about something, the less likely you are to actually recall what you need too. Is it a sign of early aging? I mean what is the deal here? Am I just losing an extra few brain cells? Maybe I am sniffing too many texta markers at work? Could my head injuries growing up have something to do with this?

Deeply disturbed I have decided to put the metro maps from the countries I have lived in on my blog as a CONSTANT reminder of the places I have been living in. It is funny actually, how by just looking at these maps ALL the memories come flooding back.

Now I have the prompt cards I need for my life abroad... I think I will continue doing this as I set up in new countries!

A new Mazzy tradition has been born...

Danish Metro System

Montreal Metro System

Sydney Train System

Confirmation

Today was pretty darn awesome. I finally got to meet with my boss and the Institute Director to talk about some of my ideas for changing the structure of the organisation - a meeting that lasted for more than 4 hours.

It was ABSOLUTELY brilliant.

We spoke about how to change the structure, how to address the culture, the people in each of the roles, who was and was not performing, how to bring the team together, keeping people accountable...

.....everything.

It was amazing to be able to voice my thoughts on strategic direction again, to be able to analyse the people dynamics and organisational culture. And what is more, is the confidence in which I was spoken to, and the information which I was privy was more than empowering.

I realised in that meeting that the consultant role is one that I am very comfortable in. Simply having the role of analysing, generating ideas, talking about concepts, looking at people dynamics, - providing solutions was something that I found natural, and fulfilling. And this is nothing new. Throughout my AIESEC time, I have always enjoyed the roles where I would be playing that role - whether it was with LCPs looking at their LC strategic direction, or with a team leader looking at how to build and bond a team. I remember doing LC visits where I would be meeting people hour after hour - talking about all these things, and although I was always mega exhusted when I got home, I felt satisfied and fulfilled that I had really added something to someone in that day.

Fulfillment.

If I was to find a word to describe my current state sitting here typing, it is fulfilled - and alive.

One of my favourite quotes comes to mind now, I am not sure of the exact wording but it goes something like this:
"Don't ask what the world needs.
Ask what makes you come alive and go and do that
Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive. "

Today again I got a flashback and confirmation of what makes me come alive, and now I just have to work out the best path to go and do it. And you know what, it falls in total alignment with the organisation I want to have in the future.

March 3rd 2005 - What a great day :-)

RBM

At the moment I am reading this mega book - it is 1000 pages, and one big chunk of goodness. What is amazing about this book is the attention that it is attracting. I am actually meeting and having random conversations with strangers because of it. People will just make comments on it:

'Wow, big book... what is it?'
' You look intrigued.. is it any good?'
' Man, a long way to go, hey?!'

I am not kidding. The other day I was in the supermarket and the girl helping to bag the items looked at me like we knew each other. Since I have met alot of people in Montreal, I knew it was a possibility but I could not for the life of me remember who she was. Then she started talking about the book.... ' Are you up to the part where Laurence comes in?' Yes I reply, thats exactly the spot I am in at the moment. ' Great, he is SOOO HOT'.

Well I never would personally have described a character in a book as hot, but ok.

Then this morning, another book power moment on the bus to work. A guy on the other side of the seat starts talking to me about the book, then this leads into an awesome discussion about South Africa where he was living for a few years, and his experiences travelling abroad.

Just the wonderful start that I needed to my day.

SO in honour of the power of this new phenomenon that I have discovered, I am creating a new acronym: RBM

RBM = Random Book Moments

I will be reporting all future RBMs here aswell - who would have thought that an awesome way to meet people was through sitting by yourself and reading a book :-)

Royal Visit - Only Yesterday....

IMG_5774, originally uploaded by Mazzy.

I was reading in the Sydney Morning Herald today about the current visit of Crown Prince Frederick and Princess Mary of Denmark to Australia. For me it actually brings back alot of memories, as I was in Denmark for the royal wedding. I remember attending the rock n royal concert, taking my huge Aussie flag, and getting all my Danish Friends to scream AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI!

It was actually a really amazing experience to be in another country and see your culture, your nation being paraded around the city. I mean there were as many Australian flags in Denmark as their were Danish flags. They brought in Aboriginal dancers and musicians. They brought in my absolute favourite Aussie band - Powderfinger. The TV was showing more documentaries on Australia, and Tasmania than I ever saw in my life... even I was learning.

It was great.

So yeah, just made me really remember Denmark by reading this article .... We are red, we are white, we are Danish dynamite... GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Denmark!!!

Self-Momentum

So, to keep myself challenged, and active at work I decided last week to attack their core organisatonal problems... first of all redesigning the organisational structure here. I am pretending that I am a consultant here at the institute, and what would my recommendations be....?

I analysed the previous organisational structure, proposed and cross analysed the solutions, then broke it down into roles and descriptions, then broke it down into competencies, and I am now outlining a development process for the staff, I have also looked at the culture to support the structure... also designing seminars....yesterday I also decided to teach myself some brain theory...

All this, in what I can positively and without a doubt say is my greatest learning experience in self motivation and proactivity. AIESEC does not even come close to this baby, this is a pure - you are working by yourself, you could do nothing and still get paid - how are you going to use your time with no pressure at all without allowing your brain cells to die, and still getting something out of each minute - scenario.

Put me into any environment with no momentum and I can perform, so I can only imagine what it is going to be like when I am working in a mega moving motivating culture again.

My Prediction: I will be HIGH on the drug effect of it.

Hooked

OK I may be one of the last people to actually discover the greatness of SKYPE, but I am now on it!!! So if you have not signed up... DO IT NOW!

And add me, mazzyc84

I can't wait to chat with you all soon... its easy, its free and its sooooo damn convenient.

Chris has already been entertaining me for the last half an hour or so :-) He is my radio DJ!!!Playing me 80's tracks aswell.... how great :-)

LOVING SKYPE!

Everybody's Free

I am sitting in my office, it is now 4.35pm - and listening to the sunscreen song. I have not heard this song in ages, and I have always loved it. To be honest, I love Baz Luhrman and anything that he is generally involved with, he isabsoluely awesome.

It is a song that gets you thinking... I love these thoughts:

* Do one thing everyday that scares you.

* The race is long, and in the end it is only with yourself

* Don't feel guilty if you do not know what to do with your life. The most interesting 22 year olds I know did not know what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

* Be careful whose advice you buy, but patient with those who provide it.

Do one thing everyday that scares you...

Gosh, how many hours could I just sit and think on that one sentence... what scares me? what can I be doing each day to get out of my comfort zone? How can I make each day that little bit more amazing?

This song also reminds me of a close friend in Denmark, Kristian who showed me the pictures and media that accompany the song. Babe, I will definately be calling you soon, and I am so sorry I have been delayed so much in doing so... but I have joined SKYPE, so it should be easier to keep in touch now.

HUgs Mazzy xx

You think you know me...?

Apparently my Aussie friend Eddie knows me too well...

"You are looking for the ideal job for yourself Maz?

Go to www.idealist.org, it is for YOU!"

Sure enough, I think it is aweosme.

Anticipation

...Anticipation; the feeling of pleasurable expectation; waiting for something to happen...

I have been spending the last 20 minutes looking up pictures and images from Washington, New York and Boston. These are the places that I am intending on visiting with a few friends from Montreal in just over two weeks time. We were supposed to go this weekend, but due to visa issues we have delayed the trip a couple of weeks.

But after looking at the pictures of these places I AM SO EXCITED! It is going to be amazing... and also fantastic to be catching up with some good friends in the US again.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of going somewhere new, seeing new things, meeting new people, going on an adventure, is there?