Quick Expat Reunion

Right before Christmas I had a fantastic opportunity to meet up with a few of my fellow expatriates (Michael "Curly", Todd, Sarah) who were also in India with me, as well as connect with Pam who happened to be visiting from India for the holidays. Todd's partner Davin and Michael's partner Brian also joined us--it was the first time we'd all connected since we returned to the U.S. this fall. We met up for brunch at the French Meadow Bakery in uptown Minneapolis and laughed our way through a fantastic breakfast of delicious muffins, coffee, eggs, and toast. Mmmmmm! Even though it was so great to connect with each other, it was strange having the snow and subzero temperatures outside... we're used to being together in hot and humid Asia!

After breakfast, me, Pam, Sarah, Todd & Davin went to the "India: Public Places, Private Spaces" exhibit at MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Arts). It was a wonderful series showcasing the many artistic talents of Indian photographers, videographers and artists. It was fun to see some familiar sites in the photographs and I was quite impressed with the variety and quality of the work. The artists focused more on their artwork and craft while adding the nuances of Indian culture into their works. An amazing and enlightening exhibit!

Even though the reunion was short, it was wonderful. It still feels odd that I don't get to see these friends on a daily basis like I did in India, but I know that these friendships will last my entire lifetime. I am so grateful for the experience of being an expat this past year--what an amazing adventure!

Happy New Year.

Benefits of Travel

Now that I have returned from my 12-month expatriate assignment in India I have more time to travel up north to Bemidji to see my parents. This is one of my favorite things to do for many reasons: I get to connect with Tom & Yvonne (two of my best friends); I get to take a 4 hour road trip (woohoo!); I have time to unplug from the city and be entertained by the beautiful northern Minnesota scenery; I plug in my iPod or crank the radio and sing as loud as I want; and, most importantly, I have time to reflect and ponder--often on the shores of Lake Bemidji.

Those of you who know me are aware that I deliberately travel somewhere every month. I started this practice about three years ago. I realized that I wanted to experience more of the world, have more unique experiences and meet more people. So I decided the best way to do this was to force myself out of my comfort zone (home) at least one weekend per month. As fortune would have it I just happened to based on Bangalore, India, this past year so my monthly travels were on an international scale. Now that I'm back in Minnesota I can reconnect with the U.S. Do you realize how many amazing places are right outside your back door?? The U.S. contains an eclectic mix of amazing people, places and experiences. Get out of the house!

On a higher level I've come to realize there are significant benefits to this monthly travel:

• Removing myself from immediate "life environment" gives me perspective and can often see things from the outside looking in. This helps me reframe events and circumstances, often bringing me clarity and more insight about my life and my relationships.
• I have the opportunity to plan spontaneity--meaning I don't have to have plans, per se, outside of where I am going to go and how I'm going to get there. This freedom allows you embrace the present and be open to whatever happens next. And for avid "planners", this is your opportunity to let go of control and what's going to happen next! Trust me--it frees you.
  
• I place myself in situations that I would normally not have experienced just by "being there".
• I can connect with friends and family by visiting them in their world. People are, truly, all that really matters.
  
• Doors of opportunity are now available that wouldn't have been before--I am exposed to new environments, cultures, people and experiences. I am learning more about myself and world around me by just being open to it.
  

As the holiday season is now upon us you may or may not be traveling, but I still encourage you to take time to reconnect with the people and places that bring you the most happiness and joy. And if you find yourself stuck in a rut this winter and need a good shot of perspective, try a weekend trip!

Happy Holidays.

Hawaiian Ohana

Being the avid traveler I decided to spend Thanksgiving with my extended family in Hawaii, or my Hawaiian "Ohana" (the Hawaiian word for family). Even though I just returned from India a few short weeks ago and visited my Mom, Dad, sister and nieces the first week I was back, I had decided that my November trip would be back to visit the tropical breezes, green mountains, and soft white sands of the islands I called home for over 10 years. It was time to reconnect with my Hawaiian roots--a timely and apropos activity after spinning from repatriation these past few weeks.

Just as I had imagined, it was (as always) paradise. It didn't take long for me to slip off my shoes and socks and replace them with my flip-flops; remove my jacket and sweatshirt and replace them with a cool light t-shirt; throw my jeans in the corner of my hotel room in lieu of cool and comfortable board shorts; I was back!

Even though I had gotten my own hotel room, I spent quite a bit of my time at Doug's Waikiki apartment with him, Jason, Micky, Brynn, Joe, and the rest of the crew... our crazy ohana. We had turkey dinner with all the fixin's for 11 of us on Thursday, and the rest of the time was spent kickin' back and enjoying what Hawaii has to offer--sun, beach, fresh air and the most beautiful sunsets on earth. Not only is Hawaii naturally beautiful, it is also the land of aloha--a word which means more than just "hello" and "goodbye", but love, welcome, spirit, friendship and connection. The spirit of aloha is a feeling that never leaves you--it travels with you wherever you go.

I enjoy visiting Hawaii and I still feel connected to her after these many years. I was reminded of this as I strolled down the Ala Wai Canal on my second day--my feet suddenly sprouted roots that shot out into the ground digging deep into the red volcanic soil; the tradewinds filled with the sweet smell of flowers and green earth became my breath; the sun beams shined warmly on my face and I could feel the water settling around me like a cool blanket; I had reconnected with the islands and I felt home again. I could feel a surge of new found inspiration for my writing, especially my balance factor project, and I felt the waves of motivation rising within me... I was "amused".

During my visit I also got to visit with Sheila, Grant, Steve & Kathy, and our newest Target leadership, Rob & Gina... did you know that we open our first Hawaiian Target stores in March of 2009? Only four short months away! An exciting event for all of us.

So talk about gratitude and thanks--this was such a fantastic and appropriate holiday to spend in one of my favorite places in the world. As I have dropped anchor in Minnesota, Finland, Hawaii, and now India this past year, I consider myself to be one of the most fortunate individuals on this earth. I have friends, family, and even people I've never met who I can connect with on a regular basis--such an international network of family and friends--such a global ohana. And the nicest part of it all? It just keeps getting better!

Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank You Very Much), Hawaii. You are, and will always be, a part of me.

Aloha

New Blog Launched!

So I thought it was time to start a new blog... not a replacement of Michael's India, but yet the next chapter of my life as I continue to travel the world, meet people and write about it. I will attempt to add 3-4 blog entries per month depending on my latest adventures. Most of the time I have no idea what is going to happen next in my life but I can't wait!!

For all of you that followed Michael's India, thank you for all of the positive comments and feedback as I explored India and beyond over the past year. The memories created during that year will be forever in my mind and heart. What a truly unique and valuable opportunity for which I am so grateful. Thank you, Target, for making my expatriate assignment possible!

For access to my photo galleries, click here. I am also planning to fire-up my blog for my current project and upcoming book series, The Balance Factor (which I set-up this summer), so please keep on the lookout for more info and links.

Thanks, again, for following my adventures. Stay tuned!!

Happy and Safe Holidays to One and All