Vienna, city of music!
It's hard to believe I was only in Vienna for a weekend because it was such a refreshing trip that I feel that I have been gone from Amsterdam for ages. It's hard to believe that only last night I was having wien schnitzel in a traditional Viennese restuarant in the heart of the city, and listening to the german language and music around me. I really do feel like I have gone away for ages, and reconnected with the part of myself that loves travelling, new adventures and meeting new people. I have so much to say about this trip, that it is probably best to pause this post untill the thoughts and feelings I have crystalise. But damn, it was good.
That familiar feeling...
As I was sitting at my desk today planning the months ahead I was struck by a familar happy feeling: I was looking forward to and even excited about the months ahead. Armed with colour textas and A3 paper; I was again plotting out all the conferences I would be attending and organising; the trips I would be taking for work and personally; and the key outcomes I would be working on for my role. It was a sense of de ja vu; the good kind. The kind of familiar feeling of being in a good space; and visualising the months ahead.
Over the next four months I will be attending our Managing for Growth; High Impact Professional; Transition and AALP programmes - so in each month I have a week or so out of the office. I LOVE my new job! It's sooo perfect!
Desk 9-5.... NO LONGER; and I LOVE IT!
Booked to go home....
I am so pumped - I have officially booked my flights home for my Aussie holiday at the end of the year. I will be in Sydney for my brothers wedding; to enjoy my family and again experience the amazing oz sun!
And to make it even better, I will have my first christmas home in like a zillion years!!!
I cannot wait for this month of power in December!
It's over.
Never start watching this show - it's unbelievably addictive. I mean, I am a person who loves chilling out with a good story in any format but I have not been so hooked on a show in ages!
It's insane.
About two weeks ago, my friend Adam invited me over to chill out and watch some dvds - aka 24 Season 4. What we both did not realise at the time though, was once you start, you cannot stop.
Each episodes leaves more questions to be answered - and before you know it the whole day has escaped! Not good for a person that loves to enjoy life.
So I have pretty much been in 'lock down' over the past week - trying to finish all the episodes.
And now... I am free again!
Scary.
The countdown begins...
10 days till I go to the city of music...
VIENNA, AUSTRIA!
I cannot WAIT :-)
Any tips/hints/must sees?
Did someone say pancakes? YUMMY!
Writing
I miss writing - serious writing that comes from emotions and many attempts at the same sentence.
I must get back into writing and exploring the written word.
FINALLY... getting paid to do what I love!
It is an amazing feeling to be in a job where working just does not feel like working - and this has been the reality for me over the last week. It has definately been a long time coming - waiting for the opportunity to get my hands dirty again in what I love - learning and development.
It's not all roses - I still do not feel the passion for the organisation I am working for BUT I do feel inspired and energised by my new job role, and the unique opportunity I have within ABN AMRO to explore and experiment with learning and development in a leadership context.
Indeed over the last week I have really become 'mega mazzy' again - coming to life with my new job as a leadership design consultant for our global programmes.
What does this mean? It means that I am responsible for the design and re-design of our leadership programmes at the AVP and VP levels - and I am able to work with some amazing vendors and coaches in the delivery of these programmes. It is like my job is now to design conferences, and attend them to review them - so like in AIESEC: design, prepare, deliver, and review.
So that means I am really happy - I get to:
* Work on innovative learning concepts and with top professionals from INSEAD etc
* Meet delegates attending each of our programme and talk to them about their experiences
* Work with coaches and vendors on programme content and delivery
* Be in and out of the office all the time - no more desk approch; I will be up and out all the time.
I am soooo inspired - and am ready to soak up the experience as much as possible; and also to explore my most passionate topic of creative leadership further.
It is amazing to finally feel again that work is not work - and I am getting paid to do things that I love!
New look, new attitude!
So, I have been struggling in my blog updates I have to admit. I just have not really felt like visiting or writing much on my blog (and I have been insanely busy aswell). But to re-inspire myself, I have adopted a new look and feel - and I have to admit; I am now inspired to blog and share again.
Watch this space!!
Keane Concert ... Brilliant!
Last night I had a fabulous night at one of my favourite bands; Keane!! I was so inspired and looking forward to it all week, and it certainly did not disappoint.
I just love their music, and I let myself be carried away by it during the concert.
Brilliant. Just brilliant!
The never-ending Birthday...
So, this year my birthday has been nothing short of AMAZING and a never ending affair. I seriously have never felt so loved and surrounded by fabulous people, as I do now. Friends and colleagues who have gone out of their way to make sure I have felt special during this past week. Here is a snapshot of some of the amazing birthday events that have been happening over the last week...1. Midnight Birthday Drinks on the 24th
While out and about in Amsterdam, a group of my friends would not let my midnight birthday go by without a celebration - and so the drinks began - with calls beforehand to Australia and family/friends. Good good times! Sam was also in town which was extra special - catching up with good conversations and having fun random moments is always fun times!
2. Champagne Breakfast
So morning arrives, but no sleep in! Instead Sam and I rush to get to Jana's house where a special champagne breakfast is awaiting us - with champagne straight from the south of France, yummy scrambled eggs and baked delights. Soooo good - and a great start to the birthday festivities!
3. Pancake House Dinner
In the afternoon, a group of about 10 of us (close friends) met at the Pancake Bakery for afternoon tea/dinner. Again, more laughter (especially since I rocked up to the wrong pancake place and was 45 minutes late! SO TYPICAL OF ME!) Many pressies and stories were shared - and it seems people know me really well because I had some amazing pressies. Highlights included:
* Pink Fluffy Bath mat
* Pink Nike Gym Bag
* Chocolate high heel shoe
* Drawing box
* Special glittery pencil case
* Stationary, stationary, stationary!!
Oh, and my family are STARS - Elmo came delivered in the post to bring laugher and joy into my life! Yes, I know I am getting older but I still love him, and he moves around laughing - what is better than that!
4.Work Celebrations
I was shocked at work on Monday, when my colleagues came for cake and made an interactive pink powerpoint for me - a special suprise that they projected on the office wall. It was sooo special - and I got tickets to upcoming comedy festivals - so I can explore my funny side more on the stage... well I dont know about that, but I am definately looking forward to some good laughter in the coming months!
5. Birthday Lunches
I have been on several work lunches - where colleagues have taken me out to nice places... yes, its tough working in banking sometimes!
6. BUT THE ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT ... Moulin Rouge Birthday Party!
There is just something about colourful feather boas and extravagant creativity that makes me happy - it was a really memorable night but I will let the pictures tell the whole story...
