Tag: #LIFEAFTERCSCUSA2

When people reach out and the outcome of an Atlas Corps Interview

Today is a new day, a day for blogging so it seems! I love it when random things happen:

  • one of my fellow CSC family reach out to check in and say Hi, and says “miss you and your blog” .. so to not disappoint my friend, here I am 🙂 .. since I have been back, and have got stuck into some projects at work, and family stuff, it seems that September / October was so long ago. But each day, I am reminded of my time, whether it is going over my photos, still getting emails on CSC related activities, or just a friendly Hi either through work or WhatsApp, I am still able to keep those memories very much alive.
  • a meeting invite for a virtual morning tea with my colleagues and friends in Sydney which I unfortunately found a little late, being so thrilled to see the invite, I asked to reschedule! So my yoghurt, fruit and granola were waiting for that 10.30 appointment! When was the last time you just reached out to say hi to your colleagues without an agenda. I can think of one person that used to just ping me on an internal chat tool once a month just to say hi, and you know what, I still remember that person, who no longer works at IBM, but I remember him with fond memories as one of the few that would just ping to say hi and check in!
  • I remembered last week that I had been interviewed for a blog in the last week I was on my CSC assignment and followed up as to what the outcome was. I laugh at the memory of the interview as I remembered when Maureen says, “it should only take 20-30 minutes of your busy time”, well just over an hour later we hung up. Maureen was so intrigued at the program, loved hearing all the stories, loved reading the blogs, how everyone had a different perception and experiences, a different journey, but all for the same purposes. Her enthusiasm was lovely to hear in her voice as we talked.
    Check out the Atlas Corps Blog that was published highlighting the stories, a profile of one of the Atlas Corps Fellows, and the journey and partnerships of IBM CSC USA2 and USA3 Teams in the United States with Atlas Corps where myself and others are featured and our blogs shared of our experiences! The IBM CSC program is such an amazing program that helps so many right around the world, literally.
  • IBM Corporate Services Corps is a journey, a gift that keeps on giving to so many and to oneself long after you complete your assignment, if you let it!

Today Matters!

So it’s been a couple of weeks since I have been back from the US on one extraordinary experience!

So how has life been since the past couple of weeks since I returned you might think. Let me share …

  • No sooner had I landed, I receive a phone call from one of my daughter’s .. “can I now have my surgery now that you are back from your life experience” she asks. So bearing in mind, she is on the public system list awaiting surgery for her back since March. My response .. “sure!” So in her words “I will get my peeps to talk with your peeps” she hung up. Next day she calls “well they must have had a great conversation, as I have just received a call, surgery is scheduled for 1st November”. So for those wondering whom the peeps are .. it is our code for our “guides” or simply put, “Universe” not limiting ourselves! Ask, and you shall receive!
  • So with a week and a bit, I have been getting re-acquaintaned with life back at work and home, catching up with different people. All the while, when asked, I have been sharing the stories of my CSC and Road trip experiences, sharing photos and videos, reliving my experiences every day since I got back. I have realised through the reliving of my experiences that it is going to take some time to get back into the norm day of life, whatever that means. I have honored myself by feeling what I’m feeling, and letting my imagination go where it needs to go.
  • 11 days after getting home, I find myself back on open road, driving to Brisbane, Queensland, a 12 hour journey. I soon feel at home on the road taking in the time-out with my thoughts, my feelings, and the highway in front of me. Oh how I love being on the road, taking in the sights and scenery that Mother Earth has to offer.
  • My daughter’s surgery has happened, all went ok which is a blessing. Since Thursday it has been a blend of working and looking after my daughter in the hospital. So times are a busy!

Sitting in the hospital watching movies in between caring for my daughter, and one favorite that was on was “The Pursuit of Happyness” with Will Smith. With the movie being in San Francisco, based on a biographical of Chris Gardner’s year of struggle being homeless, this movie brought up memories for me of my time there. With the homelessness that I witnessed, the meals at Glide I served to the people like Chris, all the feelings and memories re-felt. All little signs from Universe that when things settle down and I eventually get home, that I explore what Not for Profit (NFP) and cause I would like to explore, to help with. So many options, but I’m sure I will be guided when the time is right. For now, I’m needed by the family, so that is where the focus is.

Every day matters, it’s just how you approach it, how you start your day thinking and feeling that can make a difference. I was inspired this morning and put the following words with one of my pics taken in Sedona. Honour thyself and be kind. Enjoy!

First Day Back at the Office!

Howdy followers. So I am back in Sydney, and as promised, I would continue blogging. I do promise that it will not be every day, but certainly will try to help you get a glimpse into life in Sydney in my world on a frequent basis. Topics could be random, thoughts definitely my own, but hopefully entertaining. I’m open to questions, thoughts, suggestions!

First day back in the Office today. The funny thing was, walking along with my bag it was noisy, and my imagination goes to the cable car that I took each day to the office in San Francisco. I allowed my imagination to free flow as I smiled walking down the office corridor towards my floor and desk.

It was great to see my Manager, friends and colleagues as I walked in the door. Everybody was very welcoming and asking how it was, interested in understanding the whole CSC experience in San Francisco. I happily talked about it, giving me an opportunity to relive it several times over through my stories.

I was pleased to see that on my first day back in the office, that they had organised a multicultural lunch with an aim to also raise funds and awareness for farmers out near Dubbo whom are struggling with the drought. It was heart warming to see everyone getting involved. It was an opportunity to also gather essential non perishable foods and other items to deliver over the weekend. There are many areas like Dubbo where farmers are struggling. Even though some much needed rain has fallen in limited areas over the past couple of weeks, it will still take up to 2 years for farmers to recover, if not longer. So Australia, our farmers will need our support for a while. I see that the magic of Harry and Meghan visiting Dubbo brought some much needed rain in that region.

Leaving the Office tonight, and when a Centipede crosses my path, nothing is ever just that random! In my world, I see the most random of things and it gets me curious. The world is full of little messages if you are open to it! I research it, and take what resonates, which in this case I could take the message of the centipede!

With the storms happening all around Sydney as I drive home, with everything greener with the last few weeks of rain, amazing sunset by the storm clouds, I’m grateful for the nature wash that my car was receiving. The first day back almost over, I realise that it will take me a few days to get back into the swing of things. But that is ok! Here you see an Australian Cockatoo out and about in my neighborhood as the clouds put on a display.

Pumpkins and the Final Hours before Heading Home

What a magic way to finish off an incredible experience, but to have another Californian culture day.

Up early, I ventured out to meet Meaghan, yesterday morning. After swapping out cars, we set off for Half Moon Bay and the Californian coast for the day.

California certainly put on a magic day, weather stunning, the ocean sparking, company fantastic.

We reached the Half Moon Bay Festival and WOW were we in for a treat. So many stalls of amazing talented people, so many interesting ideas in art and products to tantalize the people, great musicians and bands, and pumpkins! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin beer, pumpkin pumpkin pumpkin. The joy on people’s faces was beautiful as they celebrated this time of the year.

Leather Art, Metal Art, amazing jewellery, quirky kit ideas.

And this wasn’t the biggest pumpkin on display.

I didn’t really have anything to compare it to so I believed them, tasted good!

An appropriate sign for our selfie … “The Sun shines not on us, but in us.”

Ohhh and I have a new special something coming home … this was the 2nd stall I wandered into. I knew as soon as I stepped in I was not leaving empty handed. I fell in love with a Maya Native American Flute, BlackWalnut, Purple Heart with Citrine and Agate. Personally handcrafted by Guillermo Martinez (Link). It was a special moment when he played in front of me and encouraged me to play with him. So we played 3 different flutes together, which drew a crowd of people as they paused to listen. I was in this moment that was just magical. And to top that all off, he asked how long I had been playing, that my sound was good, so was a big compliment considering I am still learning. Guillermo has taught many students around the world so it was truly an honour to play with him, he was very patient!

Meaghan and I were not quite done. Driving south down the coast she suddenly drives off the road and there we were greeted with one of the few we had already passed, a pumpkin farm. These Americans do really take their pumpkins seriously. We were to find the ‘perfect’ pumpkin, not just one for carving, but one also to put on the desk at work. Everywhere you looked, pumpkins were placed at front doors, in fancy pumpkin displays, when on desks so it seems. The big pumpkin even got to sit with pride in the back seat and enjoy the rest of our Roadtrip.

Driving further south, we were treated to watching a couple of whales in the distance of the ocean, watch sea lions frollicking amongst the waves and rocks, and sea birds of all description diving in the waters as they hunted their dinner as we watched the Sun set over the Pacific Ocean at Pidgeon Point Lighthouse.

With the Sun disappearing we soon realised we were quite hungry, so it was off to have dinner at Sam’s Chowder House, known for their chowder which I thought I should try as being my last dinner out. Who needs entertainment when you can watch Meaghan have a Seafood Stew. The funniest thing ever, lucky she had the bib is all I can say!

Getting late, we headed north towards home with one quick stop to Target to buy a suitcase … 2 floors, and you can also buy groceries and alcohol. I was intrigued at the trolley escalator, very nifty, and the Halloween costumes, you could even dress as a pineapple or an avocado, who knew.

So 14 hours roughly later, and we walk in the door totally exhausted but so happy with the day that we just had. Donovan there to greet us with a smile, with patience of a saint as he listened to the highlights of our day.

Thank you so much Meaghan, for the perfect last full day in California. I had a wonderful magical day. Thank you to both you and Donovan for hosting me, and of course, Libby whom kept me company on the bed. Treasured memories! See you when you come to Aussie!

Libby sharing my bed

After cooking an Aussie Shaz lunch of poached eggs for one last final goodbye to Meaghan and Libby …

It is with mixed feelings that it is my last day, I am packed, albeit with a little more than I came with. I bid a ‘see you California and Nevada, to each and every soul that I crossed paths with’. You ALL made this whole experience just amazing and memorable.

To my CSC Family #CSCUSA2, miss you guys. Thank goodness for technology to keep in touch, even you Benedicte, a converted WhatsApp user. 😀

I know there are a number of you that have been following my blog, have been giving me great feedback which has been encouraging, and there has been requests that I keep going. I have had so much fun sharing this journey that I will keep going. I will share with you stories, experiences, thoughts, sights of Australia. It will not be every day, but certainly on a regular basis.

Thank you to IBM for an amazing opportunity, to have faith in me, to have been selected for such a wonderful program, and to be supported by my Manager and team to go. It changes lives, and I’m forever grateful to have been part of it all.

And to UWBA, continue to be awesome and amazing. It was truly an honour to be part of your world for the month, and to be able to support you in some way that helps to make a difference as you continue to grow and help the communities, families and youth of the Bay Area. I promise to reach out to the United Way Australia National Office in Sydney. I am interested to understand their work in Australia, and whether I can help in some way volunteering here. You never know, they could end up in one of my future blogs.

Chow for now … cheers

The song when I turned on the car .. wait for me to come home

Yosemite at it’s finest

Well it’s official, when I thought things could not possibly get better, Universe surprises me. When you trust, you end up in the most amazing of places, meeting the most amazing gorgeous souls. If you ever get an opportunity, highly recommend a visit to Mammoth Lakes.

From the wonderful newly renovated accommodation with everything that turns on such as the disco toilet, turning all colors of the rainbow, to the heater on the wall glowing like a lit fire making you feel cosy without having the heat, to “Alexa” playing whatever I wanted so some lovely meditation music as I had the best ever shower, yep I sooo wanted to stay another night.

To start the day, a hearty breakfast which was thanks to another recommendation by my Airbnb Hosts, Kristen and Cliff, I visited The Warming Hut. The staff super friendly, the vibe great and the food … wow!

So ready for my next adventure, Yosemite National Park. The first 11 miles up to the gate in … serene and beautiful. Who knew that 11 miles would take me an hour, maybe longer!

At this stop I was amazed at how the trees were growing through the rocks. Survivors that’s for sure.

This stop, a magical place full of butterflies and Ladybugs. I have never seen so many. They were absolutely everywhere in this one spot! It was like fairy land. I was so captivated by the beauty of Mother Nature.

The Autumn colors sparkling in the Sun!

Whilst the scenery was breathtaking, I was also wary how vulnerable the area was to rock slides. Seeing so much evidence of it by the road, all the warnings. I was astonished at how some trees or rocks were even up or where they were sitting, just in limbo. And the height of being up 10,000 feet above sea level … exhilarating to say the least.

I was trying to imagine the area all in snow in a few short weeks, how the area will once again, be transformed in to a beauty of white.

Although plenty of signs to watch out for bears, no such luck in seeing one in the wild. I guess that is a good thing!

So I’m back in the San Fran Bay Area at Oakland for the night. Two more days/nights before I begin the journey back to Sydney.

The beauty of Nevada

Another full day, today roughly 7 hours on the road with many stops along the way being in awe of my surroundings. Not to many others on the road, just me and the critters, no music, just alone with my thoughts.

The day started with a diner American breakfast which was rather tasty … Mel’s Diner, worth a stop for anyone passing through Beatty. I was joined by Simone and her adorable 5 month old daughter, Eveangeline.

With the goodbyes and hugs, with a promise to keep in touch, it was time to hit the road.

Words definitely cannot describe the beauty of my travels so here are just some pics of what I captured along the way.

Here, some ruins in the middle of nowhere. I stopped to understand what on earth was here at this place, a long way from anywhere. This is Palametto, it took a couple of go’s to get it up and running in early 1900s, but there is very little of anything to keep it going so the town died a natural death!

Crossing the border, and soon realised a few miles down the road, after a wee tiny town in the boonies, that I was back in Nevada. The next border I crossed, it was manned where I had to stop, first time and of course I stopped on the wrong lane. I was asked of I was allergic to bees which I thought a little odd, only to find out that there were bees everywhere. It was a truck transporting bees, and there were a ton of them that had hitched a ride. Bazaar to say the least.

The views stunning

A tank with the words “we miss you already” which at the time we I was talking with my CSC Family and thought it fitting.

On the way to Lee Vinings via Benton. A gasoline stop with the slowest filling pump ever. And the steak sandwich took forever, so this is slow town!

Lost in thought, I started to imagine how it would have been without cars, just cowboys and Indians, the Calvary, how long it would have taken them to get around with the landscape at times beautiful, but I can imagine harsh in Winter and Summer times. Kind of hard to imagine when I’m traveling around 130km an hour, on very good roads, well maintained considering there is not a lot around except space.

Dinner tonight with my hosts from the AirB&B place that I am staying at tonight, ready for my adventures of Yosemite National Park. I decided on Mammoth Tavern, and bumped into Kristen and Cliff. They very kindly shared a Salmon Potato Skin (bloody beautiful), I ordered the Shepherds Pie being something that wasn’t bread, finished off with a couple of mouthfuls of Pumpkin Cheesecake, deliciousness!

Highly recommend Kristen and Cliff’s B&B place if you are ever in the Mammoth Lakes area. A very cosy, clean, funky place, and Kristen and Cliff make sure that you are all comfortable!

Thanks Kristen and Cliff for making my stay a pleasant one in this part of the world! Keep in touch!

That’s all from Me today. Tomorrow Yosemite National Park and back into San Francisco.

Songs are so fitting

I had started this blog a few hours ago, I thought yes, a great day, but who knew a great day ended up being an extraordinary one! So read up …

This morning was the day to farewell Sedona. As I stop and pause where it all began before I knew what I was driving into, I say a few words ..

The sun shines a little smile as it lights up Bell Rock in the distance as if to say goodbye, and then the skies open up and rains as I leave.

As I drive up Hwy 179, a few minutes up the road, Universe has this song for me “Its magic .. you know … never believe its not so! Certainly is!

I drive North West, with no clue where I will end up tonight. I put in San Francisco with 2 stops … Death Valley Inn and Yosemite National Park, but then removed Death Valley (remember this for later) .. The highway is open to scenery of desert and plains. Music is sparingly playing with little to no service, left to my own thoughts. I observe the many RVs and Campers on many desolate properties, and wonder what the attraction is to live so far from anywhere, plant life spare, Joshua Trees surviving in the crazy desert.

I drive past the Hoover Dam and decide to take a break and needed to walk. First, the view of Lake Mead .. nothing like I have seen before, a beautiful sight to take in. Lake Mead irrigates more than 1 million hectares across US and Mexico. With the Hoover Dam built back in 1930, finished in 1935 and was declared the highest Dan in the world, it helped to navigate water that created Lake Mead.

Next was the drive over the Hoover Dam, finding the furthest parking to walk down and take in the sheer size of the Dam. It’s been 3 years since I was last here with my family. The dam used to be known as the Boulder Dam being not far from Boulder City, but renamed in 1947 to Hoover Dam.

With walking done, it was time to hit the road again. I hit the craziness of the Las Vegas traffic which I expertly got through, got out the other side to even more desert, this time miles and miles of nothing except the haze in front of me and my thoughts again. It was actually quite comforting being in open space, feeling quite relaxed, giving time to reflect, time to think nothing at all but to look at the landscape before me.

I stopped for gasoline, was looking across the street and there it was The Alien Center and the biggest firecracker in the world. I could not help myself. After chatting with the lady who served me, asking what it was all about, she advised that behind those mountains (she points) is Area 51 … who knows what goes on behind there in that area she says, but only President Trump is allowed there. The Center has a lot of Area 51 alien paraphernalia. So after finding out where she thinks is a good place to stay, telling me not to speed as it is a speedtrap, I went on my merry way.

You got it, I had to check out this Alien Center … well it definitely had a lot of tourist teeshirts and mugs, shot glasses. Even a cute soft toy where the eyes lit up.

Getting that out of my system, I got on the road, alone again with my thoughts, this time wondering what might be behind those spectacular mountainous views.

Tonight’s abode is Death Valley Inn. Now remember, at the beginning of my blog I spoke of removing Death Valley as a stop, but Universe had other ideas!

I arrived around 5.30pm, got my room key but decided to go have a bite to eat in downtown Beatty. It was here that my blog was done, or so I thought!

I get back to the Death Valley Inn, get to my room, and would you know my key doesn’t work. So back to Reception. All apologies, a re-set and I go back. Again doesn’t work, after the third time I soon switched on and realise there is a reason. Well the next couple of minutes soon turned into a couple of hours where I met the lovely Simone. We spoke about all sorts of topics ranging from the history of Mona Belle, the Inn when it was known as Burro Inn, Beatty and Rhyolite amongst a few things. She spoke of her beloved Grandfather and her family and offered to sing something that she sung with him. Simone has an amazing strong voice and I can see her going places. See below the video link I recorded of her singing

Simone singing Diamonds in the Sky … the acoustics in the old inn are amazing when she begins to bellow out the song!

Thank you Universe for connecting me to another beautiful soul. A wonderful end to the day! WOW …

Snoopy, Chicken Point and a Submarine

Another full day of adventure, hard to believe you can fit in so much in one day!

After getting the low down from the locals again, I was set for the day.

First up, Chapel in the Rocks. Apart from the beauty all around, walking into the chapel took my breath away. The energy amazing. I took some to meditate and send healing out. As I sat, a tear rolled down my cheek. I acknowledged the tear or 2, acknowledged the feeling of gratitude.

Next … a pink jeep tour up the Broken Arrow trail to see the sights of the Chicken Point, Submarine and Snoopy. Mind blowing scenery …

So having time to kill after all that spectacularness, what was a girl to do I wonder. A drive up to Jerome with “You ain’t seen nothing yet” bellowing out from the radio. Really I ask … I get up over 5,000 feet above sea level and the views magic. I also wondered why, a place so high up, not a lot around. It is a ghost town of sorts, discovered in late 1800s for its mining.

The day was finished off with my second Sweat Lodge Ceremony which I came away feeling bloody fantastic.

So yes, how much can a girl fit into one day .. a lot so it seems!

A piece of my heart will always remember this very special place, the people and the energy like no other. Sedona is Ulluru on steroids, today I was told by our Pink Jeep guide that Zion in Utah is Sedona on steroids. The mind boggles. You never know, maybe Universe will help me to get there one day!

Edith, Hans and Rahelio

A mystic place is how I would sum up Sedona!

Talking to locals is the best way to get a low down on the places to check out.

One of the kitchen staff told me about Route 89A … check out the Indian Markets made by the local tribes and the cost much lower, oh and there is a stop at a bridge you should stop at.

So off I go exploring. And true to form, I found the local markets and bridge.

Meet Edith, a beautiful soul. I spent time chatting with Edith for ages talking about crystals.

My new ride … definitely wouldn’t mind one of these, you do not need a motorbike license! A slingshot. Sweet ride!

Meet Hans … another spoilt pooch that loves traveling with his human parents … he loves the slingshot. When he sees new humans, he gets up on his back legs and waves to get attention so that he gets pats. Soooo cute!

Next stop, the bridge for some more spectacular views and the sound of the river flowing below me.

Then the fatal mistake, stopping in the town … I was in crystal heaven, blissed out with music on the xylophones available to play on the street known as the Free Notes Harmony Park. Have to see if we can implement this somewhere in Sydney, sounds incredible. Had a giggle at the Husband Day Care … thought that was a great idea and should probably be implemented the world over!

This afternoon, meet up with Rahelio. He took a group of us to a couple of local spots to learn all about love and gratitude, the Stupa, the medicine wheel. Rahelio was instrumental in building the medicine wheel and is very proud of it. He began to share the stories and purpose of the medicine wheel, which were so interesting.

and he did a healing using the medicine drum, flute and rattle. He sang, he sang some more! It was certainly beautiful to be on the other side and receiving the healing.

It was certainly a memorable afternoon as it finished with a beautiful sunset that was certainly magical!

“The Best Hike Ever”

This was a quote I overheard a young boy telling his Mum. Not wrong mate!

Today was spent exploring Sedona, a stunning spectacular place that is always changing.

Another big day of walking, with 16K+ steps, 11.43 kms, 30 floors climbed. Another evening I have crawled into bed, oils on the muscles with the body simply aching but will be rested for another day ahead!

This morning I spent exploring Bell Rock on both sides.

The Bell Rock Pathway may be the most popular trail and one of the easiest of all the walk-ways and hikes in the Sedona area. Bell Rock, so named because the shape resembles that of a large bell, stands adjacent to Courthouse Butte and both, typically in tandem, are frequently the object of photographers and artists, and I can see why as the sun dances away on the cliffs, the clouds providing for some interesting fotos. The location also enjoys significant popularity as one of Sedona’s vortex sites.

Some pics from my first walk

Meet this little fella … a scorpion

Spectacular colour of nature

Some balance in your day!

The sun dances all around us

Walking up to Cathedral Rock, another vortex site!

Cathedral Rock

Yeah!

Tonight I participated in a Sweat Lodge Ceremonywith Rahelio and 8 complete strangers. A powerful ceremony full of tradition and culture, an opportunity to give thanks!

Because my eyes are having problems staying open, I’m calling it a night!