Home, Sweet, Noisy, Chaotic Home . . . It is Grand!

Dear Friends,
This leg of my journey is over and I have returned to my home and have enjoyed reuniting with one husband, 3 sons, and two dogs. Life is Good~

Thank you for your support, love, prayers and affections over the last 10 weeks -- I've told you before, and will tell you again, I couldn't have done it without you!

Some of you may be familiar with HBS's instructional style is to use the Case Study Method. About 3/4 of the way through the program, I decided to write a case study about my Living Group just as comic relief. I thought I would eventually write Part B and Part C to the case, but I think those will just live on in my mind as now I go back to the people I love, the work I enjoy and get on with the rest of my previously scheduled life.

Hope this gives you a few laughs and insight into a tiny slice of my HBS life~

Peace, Love and Joy to you all~

Dee Ann

Elite Business School (EBS) (A)
May 2009

Once upon a time in a place far, far away, there was a very Elite School of Business (EBS) in the glorious land of capitalism. For an enormous amount of Euros, Rend, Rupees, Pesos, Pounds, Yen and Dollars, an organization's suits can spend 60 revolutions of the earth experiencing the education, stress and group process of the Elite School of Business's hardworking MBA students. For some of the suits, the imitation of graduate business school is the equivalent of the experience of meeting the Queen, journeying to Mecca or being named a Baron. For others, the experience is analogous to be exiled to Siberia. To intensify and expedite the indoctrination to the EBS, the suits are divided into groups of 8 in which to live, study and pursue social excursions together. To further the cohesiveness, the 8 suits are assigned a small cell with a bed and desk as appointments. They share a much more well-appointed common living and study area.

EBS selects suits to live together based on every aspect of diversity. This creates a laboratory in which the interpersonal skills of each student are tested constantly. The suits search the living space for the cameras that are documenting their response to positive and negative stimuli like rats in a lab. So, by fate and destiny, a group of suits are assimilated into a Survival Group (SG). They come from many different fiefdoms: a post communism independent country (PCIC); post-apartheid country in the southern hemisphere (PASH); Asian country known for caning (ACC), an oil rich, tax free country in the middle east (ORTF); a small Caribbean third world country (CITW); a very large Asian country where there really are sacred cows (LAC) and, of course, representation from the Great World Power of the West (GWPW),

In other words, EBS created a forum for disaster should the SG's, in the course of 60 revolutions of the earth, are unable to resolve inherent differences. Such was the case in SG 14. It was a laughless life in the SG. With humor as a sin, the suits remained stoic and serious. Small in stature, from the first opportunity to take control, CITW became the self-appointed dictator of the SG. His behavior caused other suits to question CITW’s young pre-suit life and what caused such a struggle. Maybe a bad experience with a team sport such as Cricket? CITW was threatened by the superior intelligence of the suit from PASH.

CITW looked for opportunities to degrade PASH creating a hostile environment for all. The suit from PCIC was disillusioned by the behavior of the comrades in the SG. ACC was a peacemaker and when the peace agreement failed, disengaged quickly to be with other ACC's. One of the LAC members attempted early to rival CITW, but ultimately lacked energy and attention to sustain the effort. The other LAC was sometimes oblivious to the often-occurring oppression.

ORTF provided natural leadership being the most balanced member of the SG. Having been raised in the land where the Queen's English is perfect, worked in the territory within the GWPW known for its oil and as a place with which not to mess, ORTF provided a lot of depth to the SG.

GWPW relied on strengths of understanding Human Relations to sort and counsel various personalities, learning styles and group dynamics and to determine the causes and solutions to the complete dysfunction of the SG. One thing, GWPW knew for sure, the SG had a common enemy. They often nursed their disappointments in the local Pub, with the absence of GWPW.

With questions of maximizing the value of the academic experience and alleviating the discomfort within the SG, the High King (HK) of EBS has been consulted to resolve the conflicts before the revolutions of the earth signal the end of the ultimate education experience (UEE). And, of course, in true nature of a fairy tale, help all members of the SG to live happily ever after.

In response to this case study, consider the following questions:

1. How should GWPW attempt to further influence the SG to more positive engagement with one another?

2. Is this issue resolvable? Why or why not?

3. Does EBS have responsibility for the welfare of the SG and each suit attending?

4. How would you advise HK to proceed in resolving the dysfunction of the SG? Should CITW be banished forever from EBS?

5. Prepare a balance sheet that demonstrates the revenues EBS receives from suits that attend the program compared to the cost of executing the program. Also calculate future income at risk if the reputation of EBS is tarnished by this event.

The characters in this case study are not fictional. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely intentional.

The Last Hurrah . . .

Well, I am almost done~  Ashley is coming tomorrow and I will be moving from my cell to the hotel with him :).  So, I don't plan to do a lot of blogging, but catching up with Ashley, finishing my classes and showing him a few sites in Boston.

I think based on my experiences of the past few days, it may be time to go~

Late yesterday, after classes ended, I went to look at a few things I wanted to see in Cambridge before I left.  I made my way up Mass Avenue to the Christ Church.  It is the oldest church in Cambridge and was used as officer's quarters during the Revolutionary War.  Henry Cabot Lodge worshipped there as did General and Mrs. George Washington when they were in Boston during the War.  I sat in the pew that was Washington's pew.  It is a beautiful church (see picture) and even has a bullet hole in the vestibule from the War.  The church invites the public into pray, so I did just that.  It was a great place to talk with the Father.   I wish I had discovered it sooner.

After going to the church, I came through Cambridge only to find all of it blocked to auto traffic and some of it blocked to foot traffic.  Apparently, there had been a shooting right in the middle of the Harvard dorms and the shooter was on the loose.  Police were running everywhere -- back alleys, rooftops and stairways.  I decided to get out of Dodge quick and go back to HBS.

Today after class, I went to sit in the sun for a few minutes and observed 10 young men jumping off the bridge into the Charles River.  Honestly, it is the first time I had seen anyone in that water.  My first thought was it must be some kind of "Exams are over, time to graduate, let's jump in the water."  My second thought was "I hope they don't kill themselves as that would be a real waste of an expensive education."  My third thought was, "I am so happy to be going home that I might could jump in, too!"

Afterwards, I wandered over to Harvard Yard -- it's really a thing to behold with all the trees, flowers and azaleas blooming.  To my surprise, there was a demonstration in progress.  Since I have never been to a demonstration, I thought I should check it out.  To the best I could understand, it was Harvard hourly employees protesting wage cuts.  They had signs and microphones and lots of police and "official" looking Harvard people standing around.  I found it all quite interesting.

So within 3 days, I have been near a shooting - I would have been right on top of it had I not stopped to pray, boys jumping off a high bridge into the water and a demonstration.  I don't think I have missed anything and I can go home now.

This morning, I was in the lounge as the manager responsible for shipping our items back home was giving instructions to the day laborers he had hired for the job.  I don't think these kids were from Harvard or MIT.  Yesterday, was international shipping and today was domestic.  So, I overhear him say, "Let me ask you a question.  Is United Arab Emirates a country or a company?"  A girl raised her hand and said, "oh that one was my fault, I thought it was a company."  I am really glad my boxes only have to make it to Atlanta.

So, I am spending my last night in my dorm at HBS.  Today, I prepared my last case study.  Friday, will be my last lecture and by noon on Friday, I will be on to graduation and soon to be on my way home. I went for my last wandering to Harvard Yard, my last walk down Brattle Street, my last visit to the COOP (Harvard Campus Store), my last time to study in Baker Library, my last time to see white rice for awhile in Kresege Dining Hall, my last visit to Harvard Square, my last walk by Harold the homeless man who turned 58 today.

Along the way, I have learned more than I could have ever hoped to or imagined - immeasurably more.  The most important thing I learned was how much I am truly loved by all of you.  Your support and encouragement to me has meant the world to me.  I learned that I don't like being by myself all the time, but that by myself is a really wonderful way to fellowship with God.  I learned many, many intellectual things -- and the learning has whetted my appetite to discover more in everything available to me.  When I came here, I thought I was an expert on sizing people up.  I learned in the real world, people are more complicated than that. I learned that the world really is a very big place and that people come in many varieties, but everyone of us was fearfully and wonderfully made differently.  I have had a season (literally) to reflect on who I am, where I am going and if I still have a second half of my life to go, how I wish to live it.  I had the opportunity to have two springs this year -- one in Atlanta before I came and one in May here at HBS.  Spring is a time of new life and transformation.  Such has this spring been those things for me.  It has been my own unique walk on my unique path of this journey of life.  Harvard's motto is Veritas (see picture) which is means "truth." I spent my spring in a season of knowing, believing, walking and living in the Truth.  Every ideal precious to me has been challenged in the last 8 weeks, but knowing the way, the truth and the life has made the challenges much more bearable. I am thankful to God for ordaining my days, thankful to Chick-fil-A for giving the opportunity and thankful to you, my friends and family for letting me pour out words, bothtrivial and significant, to all of you and receive so much love and many blessings from you all.

"Now to Him that is able to do immeasurably more than we could hope or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen."

Veritas,

Dee Ann

Happy Birthday, Trey! Double Digits!

Technically, Trey will be 10 on June 8 and I will be home! However, for those who have summer birthdays and can remember back to those young years, after school is out, it's hard to get friends together for a birthday party, so Trey had his today at ESPN Zone. Ashley, Trenton, Kelsey (Trenton's girlfriend) and Trevor hosted the party of nine boys! Yes, I know, it's another one that I owe Ashley! (And Trenton, Kelsey and Trevor, too! - thanks for helping, guys.)

This time next week, I will be at home, getting ready to get into my own bed, big enough for me AND Ashley. I cannot imagine the adjustment back to a bigger space.

This past week, and this weekend, especially has been one wild ride! Some people wear callouses on their knees from praying. I have walked the treads bare on my running shoes (really!) walking and talking to God. I have a "Life's Good" t-shirt with the saying on it: "All who wander are not lost." That is no longer true for me. I try to walk everyday here, rain or shine. A lot of days, I walk instead of eating dinner, and sometimes I walk very early in the morning. I also try to make an adventure of it and sense I have a pretty good orientation of Cambridge (as long as I know which direction the river is) I am ok. Thursday, around dinner time I was wandering and talking a lot to God -- we have so much to talk about these days. I looked up and realized that I had wandered a long way. I had outwalked Harvard's vast campus, past Radcliffe, and probably almost to MIT. I wasn't really lost, because I knew I was in Cambridge, but I didn't know exactly where I was. As a little aside, there was a woman walking a chihuahua and the wind was blowing about 25 mph or so -- very windy here a lot. That poor little dog kept getting lifted off the ground! Good thing she was on a leash! Anyway, I thought about that shirt and after all the wandering I had done for 7 weeks and always finding my way back, I wasn't really sure which way the river was. I could have asked someone, but I figured I would eventually work my way back from whence I came, and eventually I did. Some of you know that I am very directionally challenged and probably should not wander off and not pay attention, take a map, or leave a trail of bread crumbs.

By the way, this started as a simple journey to buy a new toothbrush. I learned something else after 7 weeks -- CVS has an upstairs!!! I could not for the life of me understand why they did not have typical things CVS carries -- it was all upstairs. That would have been handy sooner. I learned how long it takes to use up things since I have been the only one to be using them. A toothbrush (well, I am the only one whoever uses mine, I think) takes a month. I started my third one. A large tube of toothpaste last 2 months, assuming about 4 brushings a day. Dental floss - one month. Hair gel - six weeks. Deodorant -- still on original container. Toilet paper - 4 days. I guess that is more than you need to know!!

On Friday, I went out to wander another neighborhood closer to campus. It is a really beautiful, in a old Buckhead kind of way, neighborhood really more like the West Paces area. I walked about 4 miles each way. As I was walking down the street, a nicely dressed man was walking home from the market. (He was much smaller than me -- I had already sized up that I could take him if I had to) I don't remember what occurred that he started talking to me, but we were walking almost next to each other, crossing streets at the same times, together. Turns out he is a former tennis pro and played in the Rolex tournament in Atlanta at one time. He asked me how I liked Cambridge, and I said that it was beautiful, but I am having a hard time getting used to the people not being overly friendly. He said that they are once you get to know them, but they are not very open people initially. Some of you know about me picking up pennies on the ground and how I consider that to be a thing between me and God. As this man and I walked, he reached down, picked up a penny, and said, "I believe this is for you." Needless to say, chills went up my spine. Shortly thereafter, he announced that it was his street and wished me well. And then he walked off and sort of disappeared into the trees that lined the street. I had thought, "I wonder if I just entertained an angel unaware?"

After seven weeks, I suddenly had a very social weekend and I have have been busily packing books and clothes for home and trying to finish my last case studies for the coming week. Wish I could tell you everything, but just one more. Today, I went to get my nails done -- no I didn't have time, but I am about to rejoin civilization as I know it and I need to be looking good. As I was sitting at the drying table, a woman sat down next to me. She was wearing a Harvard jacket and with a very nice Southern accent asked me (since I had on an HBS shirt) if I was attending a class. Actually, she was two seats over. There was a young woman named Kelly, with spiked purple hair and those ear things that make holes the size of dimes and several rings hanging off her nose and eyebrows. The woman talking to me was named Adalaide. She is from NW Arkansas and knows Jim B., our CFA Operator there. She is attending a year-long program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and she runs a very large non-profit benefiting and supporting rights of children. So, we decided to go have lunch. Hey, if I can't talk to the people in my living group, I will just start talking to strangers. Anyway, she listened -- the first person since I have been here -- to listen to the whole Kenya Project story and act really interested. Turns out what her organization does is get grants for non-profits that help children and some of her big donors are people like Walmart and Coca-cola. She would like to go to Kenya! Her husband is a broadcaster for the Arkansas Razorbacks Football program and they do a charity event each year at the football stadium before their spring game that brings in about 50,000 people. I could go on and on, but you get my drift. I have been looking for that particular moment when it would all match up and who knew it would be because I went to get my nails done.

They had a big party here Friday night. We have a guy in the class who works for Bacardi and he brought in his products by the cases, including the Bacardi girls. About 150 people came and by the looks of the pictures posted on the web, it looks like it might have been more popular than Chick-fil-A day here. However, I will say, to my knowledge, no one threw up after eating CFA or had to wear sunglasses to class the next day. I went for my obligatory 30 minutes, beat several people in Guitar Hero and left. I joined the Asians (really I was the only non Asian) who were having a birthday party for Yok. Yok's boss had sent a beautiful bday cake and they invited me to join in. So I did. After cake, they turned on karaoke on the big screen and began singing in one of the Asian languages (unsure which) and taught me the traditional dances. It looks a little like the Hula without all the wiggling. Then they did their version of the Conga line around the living group table and I joined right in! I figured it had to be better than joining in the other party. The other party got out of hand and I understand that one of the men was wearing the skimpy little Bacardi girl black dress. I don't know what the girl who had been in dress he was wearing. I was in bed by 10. Oh and the Asians went up to the party and took the birthday cake after I left. There are pictures on the internet of my classmates smearing it all over each other.

I have to get back to my Japan, Nissan, Barack Obama, and Merck case studies. Tomorrow will be here before I know it. And then it will be Tuesday. And then it will be Wednesday. And Ashley will be here!!!!!

Love and miss you all~

Dee Ann

You Did It . . . And I Am So GRATEFUL!

To all my wonderful friends and family,

It's official -- out of the 164 members of AMP 176 -- I received (by far) the most cards, letters and packages. Everyone in the program office wants to work for CFA!!

And you all are so creative!! Tiffiney and marketing friends, thank you so much for "sock monkey." He was a hit! Brandon - thank you so much for the the container of snacks! Lisa C., your package rocked and I am especially grateful for the cd's -- I laughed when I read the title of the Mercy Me cd - "Coming Up to Breathe" and that is exactly what is happening to me now -- I am about to come up to breathe. Katie C., Katie N. and Meredith -- your flower cookies are beautiful -- I might even share them with some really nice people!

I appreciated all of you in my life before this experience, but I have to tell you that I do so even more. I can only pray that I will be the kind of encouragers to others that you all have been to me. I have to tell you, even under ordinary conditions, I would have needed encouragement, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I am not sure I could have made it without your encouragement. I haven't been hugged (except cyber hugs) since I was home 4 weeks ago! One cannot live well without hugs! So . . .
I am looking forward to returning to the land of hugs and incredibly wonderful people!

Love and Blessings . . . and many thanks~

Dee Ann

Oh, I Forgot!!

I forgot to tell you two important things:

1. On Sunday morning (Mother's Day), I went to Dunkin' Donuts to get my coffee (they are really big up here), and as I was ordering the woman, hopefully not too much younger than me said she wanted to by me coffee as a random act of kindness. She said she did not have any children, but she could see I was a mother (?) and she wanted to honor me. Faith in humanity in Boston is restored!

2. Secondly, some of you know about my "Pennies from Heaven" and how I connect the coins I find to affirmation from God that I am on the right path. Today, I found a $10 bill in the street! He is with me!!

More blessings,

Dee Ann

400 Pages Later

Today, I took my 400th page of notes!  I have calculated by next week that I will have read 180 or so case studies and read 14 books and I think I have been to about 12 optional lectures that have been offered.

I know I have been out of touch.  This has been our heaviest work load week, and I have been busy!  We also had 4 extra optional lectures.  Speaking of which, Bill George spoke today.  Some of you heard him at Willowcreek and may be familiar with his books, Authentic Leadership, True North and Finding Your True North.  I have heard Bill speak before and I have read his books, but compared to the focus of so many other courses here, Bill was a breath of fresh air today as he talked about the selection of leaders.  He said, "We have begun to select leaders for their charisma, instead of their character; for their style over their substance; and for their image over integrity."  Most importantly, he talked about resiliency, and it finally dawned on me that resiliency is the most enduring quality I have worked on and been challenge to achieve while at HBS.  This has been a diabolical situation:  the best academic experience of my life, while at the same time, the worst living situation of my life.  But without the challenge, what would I have learned (well, probably a lot, but my character might not have grown so much!)?  Never have I been put in a situation that so challenged the core of who I am, my values and my principles.  I never thought I would be placed in a situation that I would say, "you are drunk and I will not remain here and listen to your vulgarity."  (A member of my Living Group)  But at the same time, I have learned so much about how to stand up for myself and my beliefs-not wear them on my sleeve, by any means, but being prepared to live them out when challenged by unethical or immoral behavior.  And more than anything, it has given me appreciation for all the blessings in my life -- for the kind of family I have; for the kind of friends I have; for the community in which I live; and for a job in an organization with vision and mission of impacting  people (and I work with great people).  Tonight, I realized, that when this is over next week, some of these people will have none of these things to return to, but I will and I am grateful.

This past Sunday, I circled back to Boston to see Paul Revere's house.  (See pics)  It was built in the late 1600's and was originally restored in 1908.  I also went to the cemetery where he and a number of revolutionary heroes are buried -- (why do we visit cemeteries and look at grave sites?).  Funny thing here is that when I tell the international's (except for the Aussie who runs the girl's school) that I went to Paul Revere's house, they say, "who is he?"  Oh, except for the Brits -- they remember perfectly.  I visited other famous buildings of the revolution and it was awe inspiring.  

Saturday, I went with 7 guys to the Red Sox game.  Another American and I were the only ones who had ever seen a baseball game.  It was nearly a four hour game and I had to explain everything that happened -- and 19 runs were scored.  Unfortunately, the Sox got whipped by the Rays, but with all those runs, we saw some great hitting, including three homers over the famous "Green Monster" at Fenway.  The ballpark and its atmosphere felt like a throwback from the 1940's.  Our international guests surely got to see a real slice of Americana.

Friday night, I went to the Boston Pops and they were really awesome.  Trevor, you would have loved it!

And that's about all the fun I have had, except, of course, the fun of learning.

I am on the home stretch with a few challenges around me, so please keep praying~

A few more lessons to ponder:

"Leadership is an intense journey into your own soul."

"Fail often in order to succeed sooner."

CEO Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chase about buying Bear Stearns:  "Buying a house and buying a house on fire is two different things."

I am sure there is more -- but the best I could come up with tonight~

Lots of love~

Dee Ann

A Few Learnings for the Day . . .

I am supposed to be studying, but I wanted to share of few of my deeper moments with you from the last couple of days. Maybe they will speak to you as well.

"If you tell the truth, it's part of your past. If you tell a lie, it is part of your future."

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."

"Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is the right time."

"Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles with no danger of defeat."

"It is pardonable to be defeated, but not to be surprised."

Love and Blessings,

Dee Ann

Enron, Iceland, Italy, Gucci and More Indian Food

Dear Friends,
There is so much I just wish that I could tell you, but I dare not on a public blog. We will have a great time swapping stories when I return.

It's been an outstanding academic week. Among our case studies were, as mentioned above, Enron, Iceland, Italy, Gucci, FBI, Space Shuttle Columbia disaster and Microsoft, just to name a few. Our Columbia case was a video role playing simulation. It made me glad that I don't have to make life and death decisions everyday (although some of our candidates probably feel like they are). The Deputy Director of the FBI and Director of Intelligence for M15 in the UK spoke as part of the FBI case. That's one of the things I can't put on the blog, but it was fascinating!

As you can guess by the title, we had more Indian food tonight -- the whole Indian population of AMP came to our Living Group for dinner tonight. They are really a bunch of nice guys and they still talk about eating CFA. They love the cows! I had to pretend I was eating the food, but I really couldn't stand it -- it was authentic spicy Indian food. You should smell our hallway! I have my windows open and the fan going. It was a very kind gesture, and one of our living group is a very hospitable Indian man that enjoys sharing the culture of his country, and I have great appreciation for that, even if I don't like the food.

Tomorrow night, I am headed to hear the Boston Pops. If you happened to see Movin' Out on Broadway (I did), the guy who was the lead and sang all the Billy Joel songs is performing Billy Joel with the Pops. I am sure it will be delightful. I am really stretching here, as I really want to pour out all the juicy stuff to you!

Ok, I had a couple of revelations today, and I especially want Michael L. to pay attention, since he is moving here in August.

First of all, I think I know why no one to speaks to anyone passing on the street:

1. In the winter time, if you pull down your scarf to speak, your spit will freeze on your lips.

2. In the spring time, as windy as it is here, if you open your mouth, you risk a bug flying into your mouth and lodging itself between your middle teeth. (Don't you wonder how I know that?)

The other important thing is to plan to walk everywhere -- whatever you do -- don't drive. The closest thing I have seen to violence here has involved road rage, and it happens everyday. These people can communicate more with their horns and fingers than anywhere I have ever been! Besides, if you walk, you get there faster anyway. I outwalk the traffic all the time.

As of tomorrow, I will be 3/4 of my way through this course. If you are saying, "that went by fast," you should have been here. If only days at the beach would last so long. They have a special time system here and each day is 96 hours or so. There are beautiful clocks on buildings all over HBS and Harvard and I try to watch to see them move, and I am sure they only move one numeral every true eight hours.

It's been a ride and I am thankful to God for giving me an opportunity to learn so much about me and about this crazy world we live in (people from 45 countries in my class!), globally and right here in Boston. I wouldn't have missed it, but as my friend Mark says, I am looking forward to it "being in my rear view mirror."

Thanks for your love and support~ I am lifted by angels everyday,

Love,

Dee Ann

Mother's Day Away

The journey has been one of firsts and it will be the very first Mother's Day not to spend with my boys.  I remember my first Mother's Day.  Trenton was but a few days old and I was the "Newest Mother" at church.  Thank you Ashley and boys for the cards, gifts and flowers.  They made being away a little more tolerable.  And Trenton -- thank you for the sweet card you picked out and sent, too.

I think being a Mom is really the best part of life.  It's such a gift from God to have a child and watch that child learn and grow, dream and believe their way right into adulthood.  And as each one came along, I felt even much more of a Mom! :)  Being Trenton, Trevor and Trey's Mom has been the greatest blessing and joy of my life, along with being married to their Dad~

So, on Sunday, boys, when you are thinking about me, also honor your grandmothers -- for without them, you wouldn't be here.  Mom, I will miss you, too.  Thank you for being my Mom.

Click on the video below to see a most special card I received (Be sure you have the sound on)~

I will miss you all~

Love and blessings,

Dee Ann (Mom)

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY, TRENTON!

It's hard to believe it's been 19 years. It has also been 57 inches and 232 lbs. ago! Trenton, I would rather be with you today ~

With love,

Mom

If You are Going Sightseeing . . .

You need to be able to read a map! If you can't read the map, then it's a good thing to hop on the sightseeing trolley to determine where everything is.

If you go sightseeing by yourself, you end of doing a lot of people watching. And people here are something to watch. Boston is a beautiful city and if you are an American history fanatic like me, it's a great city in which to be staying. Yesterday, after class I headed to the heart of the Freedom Trail to visit Boston Common, the Old State Meeting House, the North Church (one if by land, two if by sea), Paul Revere's house, and much, much more (see pics). It turned into a beautiful spring day and a nice respite from class and studies. I ended the day eating with some of my classmates at a very nice Italian restaurant in North End, an original settlement for Italians, and still today, an Italian neighborhood. The Italian restaurants, pizzarias, bakeries and markets line Hanover Street in North End. It was both delicious and a very fun atmosphere. One of my classmates, Alain, from Monaco, escorted me back to HBS while the rest of the group went to hit the bars. He is one of the nicest men here. He works for Credit Suisse and left behind a 9 month old little girl, who he misses very much. And Ashley, he has invited us for a visit to Monaco -- I think we should go!

Today, I headed over to the beautiful JFK Presidential Library. It sits on a hill overlooking the Boston Harbor. Afterwards, I enjoyed a cup of chowder in Cambridge at Legal Seafoods and perused the "Mayfair" festival in Cambridge. All streets were closed in Harvard Square and many people had tents selling their handcrafted arts, jewelry, etc. It is sort of like the Dogwood Festival at home except on asphalt and city wares instead of country goods. I found one tent that was selling handcrafted jewelry from women in Uganda similar to the jewelry some of the women made in Kenya the last time we were there. The proceeds were supporting a school in Uganda. I enjoyed talking to that group as it reminded me of my friends in Kenya. As I have told you before this is a very difficult place to find God. On my way back to HBS this afternoon, I saw the etching (see pic) on a church that said "God in the midst of the City." Now I have walked past this church 25 times and never noticed that etching until today, but everyday God seems to give me a sign of His promise of faithfulness and this was today's.

Now, not all is fun and games here, in fact, very little of it is. I had a very intense, but extremely enjoyable week in the classroom. Our cases have become increasingly more challenging and thought provoking. I continue to be amazed at how much can be learned in a few hours everyday. Of particular interest, were two cases on Nigeria - and I learned so much about all of Africa through those studies. I also made it through a 1.45 hour Finance Class! I finally got the cold call I was dreading in Sr. Leadership Decision Making class on Saturday. We were studying Simmons mattress company. The professor asked me a question about something that had happened and I gave the answer. Then she asked "why" and I opened my mouth, but nothing came out! So, I said, "May I use a lifeline?" It diffused her and she pointed to Ta in the back of the room and said, "there's your lifeline." When Ta finished answering, I said, "what he said." The professor said, "you don't get any credit for that." We all laughed and I made it through the moment I had been dreading for five weeks.

Here are a few random other things I read, heard or saw this week:

Bunnies at HBS travel in pairs, aren't afraid of people and I think cuter than the ones at home.

At Cheers, everyone does not know your name.

I dreamed one night that I failed AMP (not possible, unless you don't go to class -- then they send you home)

When deciding to use the "rat maze", i.e. the tunnel system at HBS, it's a good thing to have a decent sense of direction.

"The best way to be sure you have a lot to look forward to in life is to work to create a future you want to live in." Charlie Eitel, Simmons Mattress Company

"The most important element in human life is faith. If God were to take away all His blessings and leave me but one gift, I would ask for faith." Rose Kennedy

"O, God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small." Admiral Rickover

"the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe -- the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." John F. Kennedy

"Gentlemen, I think we are in perfect agreement, therefore, I suggest we take a break and see if we can create some disagreement." Alfred P. Sloan

"Nothing fails like success."

I must get back to the books. Monday's cases loom.

Blessings and love to all,

Dee Ann

The Clash of the Cultures

So, last night, we are sitting in our living group deciding how we are going to move forward as a study group for the second half of the journey.  Pavol, who was raised in the Soviet Union before the split, said we would "force" people to read, present and participate in our group discussions.  I said, "Let's choose another word for 'force.'"  He reiterated he meant force.  I explained that was not going to work.  As he became more and more passionate about his choice of words, I realized that this was an unresolvable issue between Pavol and me.  My life has been all about choices, his has been all about forced compliance.

Starbuck's was one of our cases today for marketing class.  At CFA, we have spent considerable time understanding the strategy of and business model of SB.  We were discussing Starbuck's competition.  As I am the only one in the class that is in food service and one of two in any kind of retail business (everything else is manufacturing and financial services related), I was called on to comment a number of times.  One of the questions was how has food service responded to SB.  I explained that many, such as CFA and McD's had changed their coffee programs to be more competitive with specialty coffees, without the big price tag attached per serving.  I went on to say, that SB's competition is other premium coffee outlets, doughnut shops, quick-service restaurants and even convenience stores like Kwik Trip, explaining a little about their set up. I have told you how difficult this course is on Americans and someone is always taking a shot.  Today, it was the Icelander (pop. 300,000).  He was formerly President of the Bank of Iceland before its recent collapse just months ago.  He speaks up and says, "I would never drink coffee from an American gas station."  He has never even seen a Kwik Trip (do they have cars in Iceland or do they just use snowshoes?) Does somebody have a picture of Kwik Trip's elaborate drink station they can send me??  Given that I have never been to Iceland, it would have been like me saying, I would never go into a bank in Iceland and I have never seen a bank in Iceland or gone to Iceland, for that matter.  And, as of now, don't really have any desire to!

I did get some relief about Peter, however.  Peter sits next to me this week.  He's from Switzerland.  I immediately noticed Peter's neon pink Ipod skin.  Now, I have nothing against men who choose neon pink, but it is an odd choice as I have observed.  Finally, today, Peter said, "my daughter is really going to like this Ipod and pink is her favorite color".  Whew~

Ok, now that we have discussed the most recent culture clashes -- on to what I really learned today.

Tidbits and random thoughts:

Does anyone remember the downfall of the t.v. show "Happy Days?"  It was when Fonzie, dressed in leather jacket on water skiis jumped a pool of sharks.  Hence comes the saying of brands about to fail, "Did you jump the shark?"

"Success is simple.  If man builds a better mouse trap, the world will beat a path to its door."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Alice and Wonderland, the Red Queen said, "You have to run faster, faster and faster just to stay in place."  (Reminds me of my AMP experience, but was used to refer to the sustainability of an organization.)

In sustaining a business, Human Resource management is the hardest practice for a competitor to imitate.  On average, it takes 7 years to replicate someone's HR practices.  My goal is that no one could ever replicate CFA's.

The power of pre-emption:  If you can irreversiably commit yourself so there is no possible retreat, it creates strong disincentives for the competition to challenge it. It makes is a fight for your own organization.  An example of this is the Spanish conquest of Mexico.  In order to eliminate any thought of retreat when landing in Velacruz, Cortes burned his ships!  There was no turning back.

I am really grateful the men in my life wear undershirts.  Enough said.

"It is not the critic who counts:  not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man (or woman) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again; because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.  But who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumphs of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."  Teddy Roosevelt

Did you know the average life of a water meter that measures with absolute accuracy is 15 years?  Did you know that the CSO (Diamond Broker) in London houses $5 billion of diamonds in a room about the size of Greenbrier III and IV at CFA and it has been that way for 100 years?

Sustainable advantages aren't forever and they are never free.

So, what's important about any of that -- nothing really -- just things that cloud my head and get in the way of the really important, which is:

"Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."  Philippians 4:8

And I intend to do just that, right now~

God bless you all and much love,

Dee Ann

Hip Hop Saved My Life

His t-shirt really said that, and I paused and said to myself, "Self, don't say what you are thinking." However, I thought about the fact that nobody really knows me here and I will never see these people again, and, finally, I just couldn't help myself. And I really needed new blog material. "Jesus saved my life," I said. "Huh?" he said. "Your t-shirt says Hip Hop saved your life. Jesus saved mine," I said. "OK," he says with a roll of his eyes. As I walked off, I said, "and He is very fond of you." Smile :)) Made my point, and it gave me new blog material.

I don't say a lot on this blog about my classmates or the material at HBS out of respect for privacy of them both. But I surely wanted you to know that my days are a lot more about learning than all the peripheral things I share with you. Today, was a great day in class -- the case studies were Apple, Simmons and USA Today and covered the subjects of innovation, strategy and leadership decision making. While the workload is quite challenging, I am really loving this learning opportunity. There is not a day that I lay down at night that I don't think about how much I grew that day, and not just mentally, but spiritually, emotionally and socially as well. God has been so very gracious and faithful to me.

Today, I facilitated our living group through an assessment of our progress thus far. It was the most difficult group I have ever been in that role with, but the success was that much more satisfying. We worked it hard, resolved some issues and put a plan in place to move forward. That was a lot of progress. "Management is getting work done through people. Leadership is getting people done through work."

Thank you, especially today, to Ashley who has taken great care of the boys (even has cooked and taken them to culture enriching events) and to my boys for being so patient while their Mom is away.

It's been a very busy day and as Robert Frost said, "I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep." Thanks for the chat.

Blessings and love to all,

Dee Ann

The $64,000 Question , . .

Should I have worn the mask on the airplane?  If you have been holed a way in a very tiny room, with your head in the books, you might just miss a potential global health crisis.  It sort of plays in the background, but really doesn't get your attention until you are on the plane and people are wearing surgical masks.  At first, you think maybe it's a surgeon's convention, but then I realized there was no way some of those people were surgeons.  So, of course, I worried all the way to Boston, if I, too, should have worn a mask and protected myself from Swine flu.   I had visions of getting sick and having to spend days on end in my tiny cell without anyone to care for me!!  Then I remembered Who is in control and got a grip.

It was 95 degrees in Boston today.  I am serious.  And I feel it is all my fault.  I complained and complained about the weather being so rainy and cold and I prayed for a change, and now the whole city of Boston is convinced there is also a global warning crisis in Boston and I fear it may be my fault.  No fears -- the high tomorrow is 58.  Isn't that the craziest thing you have ever heard?

I had a great weekend at home and was able to see or talk to some of you.  I loved being with Ashley, Trevor and Trey and even Copper and Smokey.  We had a busy, full weekend, but I really enjoyed going to Trevor's Concert Band Performance (see picture).  They did so well and received Superior ratings in every category.  It was so good to be in Atlanta, where I went to places to eat and visit and people know my name.  And they call me hon, baby, sweetheart and darling.  They don't do that in Boston.  In fact, it's probably better if they just don't call you anything at all :)

When I came in this afternoon, my room was about 85 degrees since the air had been off.  While it was cooling off (didn't take long!), I went for a very warm walk (without my rings, Mom).  I saw two young men sitting on a bench along the river and they both had Bibles and seemed to be studying together.  I was so surprised to see it here that I almost said, "Are you reading the Bible?" and then I decided that I had invaded enough people's privacy with the band-aids and I should leave well enough alone.  It did warm my heart and lift my spirits, though.

My week starts tomorrow after the break we have had.  We have class through Saturday, and then I am going to try to dream up something fun to do for Sunday.  I am way behind on my Boston sightseeing.  I am at the half-way mark and headed into finishing well.

Thank you for all the cards -- I received a bunch today -- I really love them, thank you for all your prayers -- I surely feel them and thank you for your encouragement -- it surely lifts me.

Love and Blessings to all~

Dee Ann

What I Love About HBS

This morning as I was walking, I realized there are things I really love about being at HBS:

I love my early morning walks along the river, while the traffic is quite and I can hear God along with the rower's paddles licking of the water.

I love Cambridge -- a place to pick up spare change off the ground, watch interesting people (I mean really interesting), and find a pretty good cup of clam chowder.

I love studying in my room and looking up to see my "encouragement shrine" from all the cards and notes you have sent me (see picture).

I love that there are no cars on campus, but many bicycles.

I love that a really nice lady cleans my room (although it is very neat) everyday and gives me fresh towels and linens. I love that the dry cleaner picks up from and delivers every day right to my bedroom.

I love that somebody else makes the coffee every morning.

I love my classes and getting hear some of the smartest people in the world give lectures.  I love watching the MBA students creating a future for themselves.

I love Baker library inside and out - but the view of it in the sunshine is stunning.

I love the old buildings that display history and the new ones that show progress.  I love that the backside of every building is as pretty as the front.

I love that I can get ready to go anywhere in 30 minutes.  I can reach most anything I need without having to move my whole body :)  And if I do have to move, it's no more than five steps from door to the other side.  I love that my wardrobe is simple.

I love that I have met God here, in times of great loneliness and that He keeps telling me He is all I need.

I love my view, especially on a sunny day.

I love that there are so many viewpoints here about so many things, that I am free to say what I want.  I love that I am surrounded by great intelligence on some many subjects.  I love that I have learned so much.

I love that the cherry blossoms have bloomed -- you said they would Lynn!

And I love that at the end, I can go home -- to the place and people I love.

So that's where I am headed for a few days~

Thanks to all the people who love me  -- I love being so loved by you and I love you!

As the Genie said to Aladdin, "I'm outta here!"

Dee Ann

Going Underground~

Guess what I found out today?  HBS has a large underground network of tunnels going from building to building.  It only took me 4 weeks to find that out and out of that 28 days, it rained 23!  Had I known this, I could have stayed a lot drier!  This weekend is our 4 day break and the weather in Boston is supposed to be 83 degrees - go figure~

Lynn, I am really thankful for those peanut bars and Amy O. and friends, I am grateful for the thin mints!  And would you believe it, but all those international people love sweet tea! And they all want to know when they can get CFA in Switzerland, India, Nigeria, China, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Russia, United Arab Emrites, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Jordan, France, Israel, Kuwait, Italy, Vancouver, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Ireland, etc., etc. etc.  If we can't get chicken to them, maybe we can sell sweet tea to them!

Learning bunches about the world and me.  Today, we had a simulation exercise on climbing Mt. Everest.  I was the team leader and made it to the top and only one of my team didn't make it.  When climbing Mt. Everest, you should not drink beer and talk on the telephone.  

You should have seen the faces of my Living Group tonight when I told them why it is important that the U.S. protect Israel (God's chosen people, etc.).  The funny thing was that they were speechless.  I finally found a way to make them stop talking!

Looking forward to my weekend home.  I will catch you up when I get back.  According to the calendar, it looks like it will be an interesting 4 more weeks~  Then I will have to find another excuse to write on a blog so that I can say all the trivial stuff I want to say to people who really have better things to do.

Much love and many blessings,

Dee Ann

It's All Our Fault!

In coming to HBS, I have learned many things -- some wonderful and some not so great.  One of the things I have come to realize is that most anything that happens is somehow blamed on the U.S. by those who don't live here. Last week it was the global financial crisis -- today it was global warming.  One of the most difficult challenges here has been to defend our country to those who disparage it.

But you know what?  I love the United States of America.  I love the stars and stripes and the purple mountain majesty of the Rockies, the rocky coast of the Pacific and the peaceful sandy shores of the gulf.  I love that is snows in Denver and Vermont and that it doesn't in Miami.  I love that every American over the age of eighteen has the privilege to vote in a democratic society and choose our country's leaders.  I love that we have protected the home of the brave and the free and have used that same power to help others be both brave and free.  I love the men and women I see on my flights that are in camo fatigues headed to unknown deserts so that I can go freely to my job -- one of my own choosing.  I love that In God We Trust is printed on our money.  I love the pledge of allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner.  I love that I am free to worship anywhere I choose without fear.  I love our history and I believe that we have hope and a future for generations to come.  

So regardless of what I hear, and wherever this life leads me, I know that I am very fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world and the longest surviving democracy.  God Bless America~

Blessings to all -- and I sure do miss you,

Love,

Dee Ann

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You . . .

I am just finishing my second glass of Chick-fil-A sweet tea following a wonderful Chick-fil-A Day at Harvard. Two Operators, one interim manager and 11 staff members came up to provide the great taste of Chick-fil-A and wow with second mile service for the 165 members of my class, 75% of whom are international.  Thanks to Amy R., Amy O., Lynn C., Todd G., Lance L., Lisa H., Cathy P., Brandon B., Michael L., Will M., Melissa T, Katrina, Juan and Dusty for making me a hero today.  Everyone certainly knows who Chick-fil-A is now.

Most of all, I was so encouraged by their visit.  We enjoyed great seafood and fellowship last night at dinner and it was my favorite day at HBS, yet!  I felt so loved and lifted.

I goofed off a little while my friends were here, so I must get to my studies, but I wanted to share some pictures of the day with you.  It really was a great day.

Missing you all so much,

Love and blessings,

Dee Ann

The Eyeballs Were Staring Back at Me!

Here is a picture from the Lobster feast last night.  Once I saw those beady looking eyes looking back at me, there was no way I could crack that crustacean open and eat it.  I will have mine, tails only, thank you very much!

Have a fabulous weekend~

Love to all,

Dee Ann

Toenails, Dogs and Global Financial Crisis Day

So, which one of those thoughts should I open with?  Oh, let's get the bad news over with first.  We spent the entire day on the Global Financial Crisis in our classes today.  If you think hearing it from your investment banker, on CNN or reading about it in the Wall Street Journal depresses you,  just try hearing about it from some of the top economists in the world at The Harvard Business School.  You don't want to know what I know now.  And if you know what I know, you don't want me to remind you.  Just one hint though - you might take the suggestion to learn Mandarin very seriously.  If I was having a hard time in this class as an American before, you can only imagine the backlash from today's classes.  Although, Europe and Asia have certainly done their share to contribute as well.  It's one thing developing nations (3rd world countries) can be grateful for -- they do not inherit any blame for this situation.

Okay, on to other tidbits of my life that you will probably not be very interested in.  There are 51 steps from the first floor to the 4th floor where my room is.  I know this because I count them everyday when I walk up and down them 20 times.  I drink about 20 bottles of water a day between meals, classes, study group and personal study time.  So, you know what else I do about 20 times a day.  Speaking of water, one reason I drink so much is that it is very dry here.  It's so dry that I don't have any bad hair days here!  Great - I find a place where my hair cooperates everyday and it has to be some place that is 35 degrees in the middle of April.  

When you are somewhere that you can not possibly take time for a pedicure (really can't), you have to cut your own toenails.  Three weeks in and I finally realized that!  Okay, that was TMI.

About the pictures -- The building with glass windows is called Kresege Hall and that is where I eat my meals (the ones not in styrofoam).  The picture of the stairs I put in, because I actually saw somebody ride a bike UP them today.  They lead from campus to the bridge across the river.  The dog picture is because I even miss my dogs (well, they are really Ashley's, Trevor and Trey's - but I claim them since I am hundreds of miles away), and I enjoyed watching this dog swim in the river today.  The picture of the JFK park shows you where I spend exactly one hour on the rare sunny afternoon, such as today.  Ashley gave me this great wireless weather thingy that shows me the daily weather, hi and lo, and windchill factor and a five day forecast.  SO, I have been watching this thing all week and it said hi of 70 and sunny for today.  I worked all week day and night to get my cases done early for tomorrow so that I could enjoy the afternoon for a couple of hours and I did!

I am so excited about the CFA team that is coming in on Monday!  I cannot wait to see you all!  For those who don't know, 11 CFA staff are coming in on Monday to serve CFA to all the class members Tuesday at lunch time.  People from all over the world will be having their first taste of CFA!  I am not sure what my friends from India will think of the Eat Mor Chickin cow, but we shall see.

I better get back to work -- getting ready for Monday and Tuesday classes so I have time to visit with my CFA friends.  And tonight is lobster reception, which means there will be a little lobster and a lot of drinks.  I am going for the lobster!

I wish everyone an awesome weekend -- thanks for the many thoughtful cards -- they really lift me and thank you for all the prayers behind them.

Blessings and love to all,

Dee Ann

Paranoia and Growing Giants

"If each of us hires people that are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs.  But if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants."

David Ogilvey (Ogilvey and Mather Advertising)

"Only the paranoid survive."

Lou Gertsner

 I had two jam packed days, but outstanding learning opportunities.  My classes have been in marketing, strategy, ethics, innovation, decision making, of course, finance and organizational development.  Well-known author and Harvard professor, Michael Porter spoke to us yesterday and Lou Gertsner, former CEO of IBM, Nabisco and American Express spoke this afternoon.  Hema Hattangady taught innovation class today.  She is CEO of an Indian company called Conzerve.  She has a fascinating  story how she was chosen to be the CEO of her father-in-law's company, which you can imagine would be a very odd thing to happen in India.  I may have told you that I am one of 22 women in the entire program and there are 152 men.  We are in two sections, so there are 11 women to 75 men in my class.  When she answered questions, some of the Indian and Middle-Eastern men took that as an opportunity to be condescending and insulting to her, but she responded as a seasoned executive with more grace and poise than I have publicly ever witnessed in such a situation.

The work load is still averaging about a 100 pages a night plus presentation preparation, but I am starting to get the hang of it, and I am learning so much! I would love to tell you a funny story, but there has not been anything too funny to happen.  If I could tell you of all the drama that goes on around here, you would probably laugh.  It's amazing to see very high level executives, from all around the world and in some of the top companies in the world acting in the ways that they do sometimes.  Again, I am so grateful for my team at CFA, who are the best people to work with on the planet!

I finally realized that the barrier I am experiencing has more to do with me being an American than anything else.  The rest of the world is really mad at us "for crashing the global economy."  Their perception is that all Americans fly on private jets, bail on their mortgages and over leverage their credit.  I have done my best to let them know that ALL Americans are not that way. 

I am working very hard on teaching please, thank you and my pleasure -- I miss hearing those words that are ordinarily part of my daily life.

The weather has been beautiful all week -- still cold, but tomorrow is supposed to be 70!  It gets cold again after that, but I plan to enjoy a walk by the river tomorrow afternoon.  Mom is worried about me walking, but I only walk in safe places in the daytime.  The HBS campus is a walking only campus, so everybody walks.  It's a very healthy place.  And the Harvard Police Department is very good.  I checked the crime statistics -- no violent crimes -- just bicycle theft and such.  

Melissa, thank you for the awesome snack package.  Lisa, I don't know how long I am supposed to keep those Chocolate Chip cookies, but they are the best ever -- there have been days I lived off them (isn't that a healthy thing to do!) and Kelsey, thanks for all your encouraging comments, texts and e-mails!

Please continue to remember me in prayer.  I have told you the surface stuff, but there is so much going on behind the scenes.  I am definitely on the front line of Spiritual Warfare.  God gives me just enough to keep in the game, but not so much that I am not dependent on Him.

More scenery attached -- same stuff, different time of day and different weather ~~ The building is my a picture of the outside of "my home."

Love you all,

Dee Ann