Thankful for Thanksgiving

Living overseas the one holiday I always missed was Thanksgiving.  We celebrated in our own way, but it never was the same.  This year we get to spend Thanksgiving in Kansas with my wife’s family.  We played tourist on our way making several interesting stops.  A joy has been meeting and spending time with our great-nephews. Thanksgiving Day meal will be with the whole family.  For the first time in seven years my wife will not be at work on the holiday!  I am looking forward to a special day.

I/we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Oklahoma I-35 Scenic Turnout

Add caption

Emporea, KS

Wave the Flag

A few thoughts on politics without being political.  American elections are too long.  With major elections every two years and "preparation periods" of roughly one year so it seems like you are either preparing for an election or just completed one.  Television, radio and newspapers provide endless opportunities for mudslinging (aka political ads) and yards are littered with signs and posters.

While living overseas we experienced two federal elections.  The Norwegian election lasted roughly a quarter of the year with virtually no billboards, posters, etc.  Non-citizen residents are allowed to vote in local elections but not federal elections.

The French election was in the public eye about half a year.  Posters/banners were found at select public locations with each candidate getting equal size displays.  Presidential elections occur every five years.

Canadians have the mudslinging and yard signs but an election campaign lasts only 36-66 days.  Federal elections occur "when needed" but must take place at least once every four years.

I am not sure what to think of one of the local candidates in the past election.  On one hand he helped fund the postal system by keeping our mailbox full of propaganda; however, on the other hand who knows how many forests he destroyed.  Despite all of the efforts the candidate lost.

Keeping in the political theme, this summer we attended a Houston Astros baseball game.  While I was waiting to place my food order at the concession stand prior to the game one of the employees started pointing at the monitor--even though the sound was off we could see a choir singing the national anthem.  All the employees, fans waiting in line and fans walking in the concourse stopped and placed their hand over their heart.  I had tears streaming down my face as my heart was filled with pride.  Living overseas I had come to miss hearing an anthem at the start of a game, but especially the American or Canadian national anthem.

Time to Brag

I am thoroughly enjoying my new job, it is fun going to "work."  The reason I am enjoying my job so much is that it is a great place to work.  This past weekend The Houston Chronicle validated my experience by naming my school to the top 150 places to work in Houston!  Hope to stay here and add to the great culture.

I Was Born in a Small Town

Recently my family and I went to visit my mother in the small town (population 15,000) where I grew up in Canada.  For the first three days it was nice to relive childhood memories by experiencing small town life.  By day four the charm of country living was wearing off.  Living overseas has taught me to be flexible and I can definitely do the small town thing, but given a choice I prefer "city life."  Our town in France was similar in size to my home town but because of the international business school and its nearness to Paris it had a "suburban" feel to it.

Growing up in a small town I often assumed that is where/how I would live my life.  After graduating from university I started to notice the growing appeal of urban centers.  I love getting away from it all but not long term i.e. visit but not live there.  A small part inside of me makes me feel guilty for betraying my roots.  All part of the adventure and discovering what you like.