Random Thoughts by Ktownbuddha

Is this thing still on???  Haven't thought of this blog in forever.  I wonder if anybody still reads it.  Only one way to find out.

This blog  has two titles.  I've been struggling between calling it “End of the Funk” and “Best Before Date”.  The reality is both are appropriate and reflect the situation I'm in. I have now been working in Cuba for over 3 years. In that time I wish I could say that I've seen things get better but that would be a lie.  Things are continuing to get worse for both the country and the company.  This also means that our quality of life as expats and working conditions has also declined.  As a professional it’s hard going to work every day just trying to keep things together as opposed to being able to make a positive change.  At some point in time you get tired of hitting your head against the wall and it gets a tad bit depressing.  Also I keep feeling that by staying here I’m falling behind in where I want to go with my career.  I miss the days of working for junior companies.  From developing the business, obtaining financing and...

Several months ago I wrote about the rumours that our Canadian boss in Cuba was being replaced.  Well apparently the rumours have finally come true.  On Thursday all of the expats were told to join a conference call at which point we were told.   The replacement is one of the Expats already on site.  I work with him quite a bit now and he is part of our walking group.  I'm looking forward to working with him as his style is much different than the current guy.  The new guy is more inclusive, promotes team work and communicates.  The three facts alone should make my life a lot better.  This past week alone another expat and myself were ready to walk because of our current bosses lack of skills in those three areas.  So yes I'm much much happier.  Just have to wait until November 1st for it to be official.

I'm out of here.  Less than an hour of work left and just over 2 hours until the van leaves for the airport.  It has been a slice but I need this break.  I'm exhausted.  I can't wait to land in Kelowna tomorrow afternoon.  It's going to be my best arrival home yet.  As I mentioned before I won't likely be posting for a few weeks.  Too much fun stuff to do.  Plus don't you all have something better to do than to read my blog???

Home home home home home. That's all I've been able to think about all week.  Realistically probably since my visitors left almost two weeks ago.  My mind and desire to be here left on the plane with them.  This past weekend was a bit tough as all I wanted to do was to be home.  This week I've been extremely bored.  I've spent a significant amount of time online shopping and browsing (laptop arriving soon and a few MEC purchases).  Work hasn't been too busy and most things are under control for my impending departure. Other than that I've been going to the gym or working out daily so I'm interested to see what the results are when I get home.  I feel like I've been pretty disciplined this rotation and I'd like to see some results.  It's funny what the magic of camera angle can do.  I think these two pictures speak for themselves. Warm up the bus!!!

Compared to the other guys that I work with I have a pretty good schedule.  We are all required to work 37 weeks a year which means 222 work days on a compressed schedule.  While they routinely work 6 week rotations I normally keep mine well under that.  Our roles are different. Being in finance/accounting there are certain periods that I need to be on site for.  For example every month end period I need to be here for.  This normally means that I’m here for the first two weeks of every month.  If the month end is also a quarter end, then I’m normally here for an additional week or two as well which can result in some longer rotations.  While this system has been working for my Canadian counter parts and the Canadian partner, my Canadian boss in Cuba would prefer if I was “on site” more.  While I still work the same amount of days as my counter parts I am required to be at certain meetings and events in Canada periodically.  Also my Canadia...

I feel that my life has been best rewarded when I make leaps.  When I don’t play it safe but instead take an uncomfortable jump.  These decisions are normally accompanied by severe bouts of nervousness. This has rewarded me both professionally and in my relationships.  Professionally after years of working for the same firm I made the decision to jump to leave public accounting and to go work in industry.  While the company I went to initially didn’t last long I was able to continue jumping from one venture to the next continuing to learn and develop my skills.  After several years of that I took the leap to move to Cuba.  Wow what a shock to the system that was.  I can’t believe it has now been three years that I have been here.  My current relationship (Spouis Blomley aka Teamo Tequiero) has been fraught with leaps.  First there was the leap to even meet up and hangout in the first place given our histories.  Then there was th...