It has been a very long time since my last post, and quite a few things have evolved.
On the business front I decided to not grow my client base in the fall season, but to focus on working smarter. I finally merged both businesses, which is making my administrative work much easier. I was able to launch a new addition to my programs as well, which gives me an important competitive edge... although I don't really have competition at this time - but the day will come, and the bar will be high to meet my standards. I am now ready to take on new clients, and I have someone working on the sales front. I'm hoping to get new business for January.
At home life is very good. Our youngest son has finally found a better comfort zone... after we had to change school. For the past three years I noticed that his social life was declining at school. He was in the bottom of the pack and could not get out of that spot despite his best efforts. He was the kid to pick on, and although he was pretending to find it funny around school - he had big anger management issues at home. He was also struggling with his marks and doing his home work was always like pulling teeth, although he had weekly tutoring sessions. He was not a happy guy, and he had low self confidence. Tim and I met with his teacher on the last day of school, and later went to discuss this with our family therapist. It became clear that we had to pull him out of that situation, and provide him with a clean slate. We did our research, and zeroed in on an alternative school which has a strong focus on hands on learning (tactile and building projects instead of mostly pen and paper), arts, nature, and strong core values on the respect of the whole individual. We made the switch for the start of the school year, and the results are fabulous. No more tantrums, he does his home work on his own and is proud of his good work, he has good friends and was thrilled to be invited to a birthday party after a month at his new school (this did not happen before...), and he signs around the house every day! We did the right thing, and he can be his beautiful self. Amen.
With December around the corner, I look forward to spending the Holidays with my little family here at home. Loving, safe and sound, as it should be.
Somewhere between Izamal and Sudzal, Yucatan.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Water under the Bridge
Still working, but not nearly as invested as I could be - and purposely so. This distancing is feeling good, and I still need it. My reflection is somewhat passive right now, and I know that I will have to kick back into gear relatively soon - and face the big questions of this coming business year.
To grow, or not to grow? Do I have it in me? Is it worth my while financially?
Maybe I should cruise on what I have built so far, and fine-tune the machine to run more smoothly. I will let some water flow under the bridge, and assess all that.
I'm enjoying this sort of half time, and I love to leave the books aside to spend more time nurturing my family. Simple and so good.
With over a week after my return from Yucatan, I feel the impact that my sister had on me all along this journey and I must find a way to clear that from my system. It's full of negativity and darkness.
I took position early on and decided to let her negativity slide, otherwise it would have became a series of pointless arguments. She did have a lot of fun too, but she choses to remember and talk about the things that bugged her. She is broken... more than I imagined. I am convinced that the discomfort comes from within her. I'm not sure if I should let it slide again, or spill it all out to her. I will let water flow under the bridge some more on that one...
On a happier note - We are going to Jeanne-Marie's for dinner - I have not seen her since our return to Toronto. Looking forward to seeing her!!!
To grow, or not to grow? Do I have it in me? Is it worth my while financially?
Maybe I should cruise on what I have built so far, and fine-tune the machine to run more smoothly. I will let some water flow under the bridge, and assess all that.
I'm enjoying this sort of half time, and I love to leave the books aside to spend more time nurturing my family. Simple and so good.
With over a week after my return from Yucatan, I feel the impact that my sister had on me all along this journey and I must find a way to clear that from my system. It's full of negativity and darkness.
I took position early on and decided to let her negativity slide, otherwise it would have became a series of pointless arguments. She did have a lot of fun too, but she choses to remember and talk about the things that bugged her. She is broken... more than I imagined. I am convinced that the discomfort comes from within her. I'm not sure if I should let it slide again, or spill it all out to her. I will let water flow under the bridge some more on that one...
On a happier note - We are going to Jeanne-Marie's for dinner - I have not seen her since our return to Toronto. Looking forward to seeing her!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Back to Work
The first work week since returning from Yucatan is going well so far (it's only Tuesday afternoon...), the deep rest is felt in many ways - I feel relaxed and yet solid. Good for sure.
In retrospect, I was not able to do everything I had wished for during the trip, but it turned out great and I did accomplished some key goals. The fact that there is a potential partnership in development is very exciting, and I am inspired to make it a beautiful and successful project all around.
As usual, I take it slowly but surely. At this time I simply have to start by writing it all out, and get it translated in Spanish (my written Spanish is not adequate).
First there is the teacher training series, in Spanish, probably in English too, and possibly in French (I'm told there is a new French program in one of the schools). This would finance part of my travel expenses, and I am also looking into eligibility to government grants. Found some, but deadlines are still far off (which means so are potential funds). We'll see.
Then there is the community project, which is the non-profit and philanthropic component - also possibly financed in part by the teacher training sessions. Currently it's about to sustain some free music lessons and lend instruments to disadvantaged children, but it could also be to finance student and/or teacher's transportation, a series of classes in a public school, live performances of traditional music in the classroom, purchasing instruments, and so on. It will all have to be assessed, and we'll deploy the best options. This part of the project will require fundraising, and I think it should begin asap. Oh boy... here's something else!
Okay. I have to leave... going to teach music - I love my job!
If I keep going at this pace, I should be fine and make it 'til Friday - Ha ha!
In retrospect, I was not able to do everything I had wished for during the trip, but it turned out great and I did accomplished some key goals. The fact that there is a potential partnership in development is very exciting, and I am inspired to make it a beautiful and successful project all around.
As usual, I take it slowly but surely. At this time I simply have to start by writing it all out, and get it translated in Spanish (my written Spanish is not adequate).
First there is the teacher training series, in Spanish, probably in English too, and possibly in French (I'm told there is a new French program in one of the schools). This would finance part of my travel expenses, and I am also looking into eligibility to government grants. Found some, but deadlines are still far off (which means so are potential funds). We'll see.
Then there is the community project, which is the non-profit and philanthropic component - also possibly financed in part by the teacher training sessions. Currently it's about to sustain some free music lessons and lend instruments to disadvantaged children, but it could also be to finance student and/or teacher's transportation, a series of classes in a public school, live performances of traditional music in the classroom, purchasing instruments, and so on. It will all have to be assessed, and we'll deploy the best options. This part of the project will require fundraising, and I think it should begin asap. Oh boy... here's something else!
Okay. I have to leave... going to teach music - I love my job!
If I keep going at this pace, I should be fine and make it 'til Friday - Ha ha!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Avoiding the blues
I returned home 3 days ago, and I must prepare to work through the final sprint of the school year. I think that the timing was perfect for this vacation - the upcoming 8 weeks are loaded with to do lists in all departments of my business.
This break allowed me to take a nice, long, deep breath and I feel I have the energy and perspective to get to work. Nice change from the pre-departure... which was tainted by a chain of unfortunate events, adding weight to my shoulders every single day... I feel much lighter now.
Being busy is good for me right now. The last time I traveled to Yucatan, after my return I found myself in a stagnant phase of post-travel blues which I think may have been enhanced by the fact that I had too much time to think and reminisce. I made sure to not have so much time on my hands this time around... Should help.
Part of the work I have to do is to brainstorm and research financing options for the Merida teacher training project, which also includes an important philanthropic component. At this time I think that it should not be a problem to pull it off in about one year... it's not a very expensive operation. The teacher training is a simple series of 3 hour workshops made available mainly to daycare and elementary school teachers, which would take place at the music school owed by my partners in this project - Musicalia music school in Merida. The community outreach aspect can be deployed in many ways - from acquiring instruments, to financing teaching time, or a decent room to teach. The owners of Musicalia are already involved in the community and it's a matter of fostering what they have developed. One hundred dollars can go a long way... so it should not be too difficult to make a decent financial contribution on that front.
And at home - I am very much looking forward to pampering my family and my nest. Dylan just turned 13 last month, and Leo's 10th birthday is coming-up in August. The time has come to invest in the garage... empty it of all rubbish, clean it up, re-inforse the structure and fix the roof. Let the boys design the inside. We want it to be a cool rec room, and hopefully make it somewhat of a headquarter for our growing boys and their friends. Skateboarding ramp seems to be part of the plans, this is an exciting summer project for all of us.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and the boys - all 3 of them - decided to take me out for dim sum. My favorite! Enjoying this blissful weekend... Monday will be another story.
Being busy is good for me right now. The last time I traveled to Yucatan, after my return I found myself in a stagnant phase of post-travel blues which I think may have been enhanced by the fact that I had too much time to think and reminisce. I made sure to not have so much time on my hands this time around... Should help.
Part of the work I have to do is to brainstorm and research financing options for the Merida teacher training project, which also includes an important philanthropic component. At this time I think that it should not be a problem to pull it off in about one year... it's not a very expensive operation. The teacher training is a simple series of 3 hour workshops made available mainly to daycare and elementary school teachers, which would take place at the music school owed by my partners in this project - Musicalia music school in Merida. The community outreach aspect can be deployed in many ways - from acquiring instruments, to financing teaching time, or a decent room to teach. The owners of Musicalia are already involved in the community and it's a matter of fostering what they have developed. One hundred dollars can go a long way... so it should not be too difficult to make a decent financial contribution on that front.
And at home - I am very much looking forward to pampering my family and my nest. Dylan just turned 13 last month, and Leo's 10th birthday is coming-up in August. The time has come to invest in the garage... empty it of all rubbish, clean it up, re-inforse the structure and fix the roof. Let the boys design the inside. We want it to be a cool rec room, and hopefully make it somewhat of a headquarter for our growing boys and their friends. Skateboarding ramp seems to be part of the plans, this is an exciting summer project for all of us.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and the boys - all 3 of them - decided to take me out for dim sum. My favorite! Enjoying this blissful weekend... Monday will be another story.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Back to the Caribbean
It was a great trip for the most part - I think that everyone enjoyed their vacation.
No major glitch... the only mistake was mine... the night we had a mariachi band for Jeanne-Marie's birthday... and I had the brilliant idea to invite them for dinner. Not good Julie. The food and the beautiful set-up was not intended for extra guests. Most definitely the winner for outstanding bonehead move of the trip - and I will have to accept all pokes about this for the coming decade no doubt. Well deserved - I own it.
Except for that very awkward episode, everything was pretty perfect in Telchac Puerto.
We had a great time in Merida on Saturday night too, and I'm delighted that we could enjoy a typical festive evening Merida style. On that front the only problem was that my sister and I were never able to check-in our hotel - Luz en Yucatan - because nobody answered the darn door. It was about 40 degrees, and we were stuck on the sidewalk with our luggage. No fun. I decided to join our traveling companions at Hotel Caribe, a couple of blocks away, and we took a taxi because of our big load. Because we did not have an apartment with kitchen as planned, our stay in Merida ended-up being much more expensive than anticipated. I don't like having to eat in restaurants for all meals... especially not in the more touristy centre of town. Oh well. It's very very hot in Merida these days, 40 celcius +.
Our travelling companions left on Sunday morning, and my sister and I enjoyed the Sunday festivities. Because of the heat, we decided to get out of town and make our way to the Caribbean coast as soon as possible. I had a meeting on Monday afternoon, arranged by Judy, and I could not have possibly found a better group of people to connect with if I tried to. Judy knows a lot of people, and she is a master at connecting ideas. Now I can move on and develop a teacher training project, with a great group of partners in Merida. We will explore government financing options from our respective countries, and shoot for a series of workshops sometime in 2013. I am thrilled! As soon as my meeting was over, we picked-up our luggage and took the bus to Cancun. It was a scorching 45 degrees when we left Merida yesterday afternoon.
We arrived in Cancun at around 8pm and checked-in a big beach front hotel near the Club Med... and about 15 min. from the airport. I thought it was an all inclusive deal but it's not. Crud... more expenses... and now I can't wait to go home. My work here is done and at this point it all seems like too much. Strange to be writing this with a fabulous view on the pristine blue water of the Caribbean - I guess it's not at all what this trip was about for me so I have no urge to run to the beach.
Leaving tomorrow afternoon, and looking forward to being with my family.
We had a great time in Merida on Saturday night too, and I'm delighted that we could enjoy a typical festive evening Merida style. On that front the only problem was that my sister and I were never able to check-in our hotel - Luz en Yucatan - because nobody answered the darn door. It was about 40 degrees, and we were stuck on the sidewalk with our luggage. No fun. I decided to join our traveling companions at Hotel Caribe, a couple of blocks away, and we took a taxi because of our big load. Because we did not have an apartment with kitchen as planned, our stay in Merida ended-up being much more expensive than anticipated. I don't like having to eat in restaurants for all meals... especially not in the more touristy centre of town. Oh well. It's very very hot in Merida these days, 40 celcius +.
Our travelling companions left on Sunday morning, and my sister and I enjoyed the Sunday festivities. Because of the heat, we decided to get out of town and make our way to the Caribbean coast as soon as possible. I had a meeting on Monday afternoon, arranged by Judy, and I could not have possibly found a better group of people to connect with if I tried to. Judy knows a lot of people, and she is a master at connecting ideas. Now I can move on and develop a teacher training project, with a great group of partners in Merida. We will explore government financing options from our respective countries, and shoot for a series of workshops sometime in 2013. I am thrilled! As soon as my meeting was over, we picked-up our luggage and took the bus to Cancun. It was a scorching 45 degrees when we left Merida yesterday afternoon.
We arrived in Cancun at around 8pm and checked-in a big beach front hotel near the Club Med... and about 15 min. from the airport. I thought it was an all inclusive deal but it's not. Crud... more expenses... and now I can't wait to go home. My work here is done and at this point it all seems like too much. Strange to be writing this with a fabulous view on the pristine blue water of the Caribbean - I guess it's not at all what this trip was about for me so I have no urge to run to the beach.
Leaving tomorrow afternoon, and looking forward to being with my family.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Beautiful
Ah... what a beautiful time in Yucatan again! The first couple of days in Telchac were unusually windy, but now the weather has settled for the better and the sea is beautiful for swimming. It's a fun time to come to Telchac, from May to September is prime season here and the owners of the beach houses come and enjoy their properties. We met our neighbours, beautiful people from Merida - they own a Sushi restaurant in Merida so it looks like our dinner destination is all settled for Saturday night.
I went to teach this morning, 3 classes at the little Diego Rivera Preschool in Telchac. It was fantastic!
It felt very comfortable, I basically did the most popular activities from the program I did last year. The kids remembered me and it was very lovely to see them a little more grown-up. My sister took lots of great pictures, she has a very good camera. The school principal has asked me to come back, and informed me that the school will keep growing... next year they will have four groups of children there. Nice! I don't want to make promises, I'll see if things develop in that direction.
We all spent the afternoon in Progreso, most women wanted to shop for souvenirs and since Wednesday is a cruise ship day in Progreso, the craft markets are open (there are 2) and all the vendors are full on with cutting deals. I didn't buy anything, we have plenty of Yucatan memorabilia at home already. I know exactly what souvenirs I will bring back - and I will get them in Merida. We spent a couple of hours in a cafe by the pier, drank beer, ate nachos, and danced to the live band. It was a lot of fun!
Being there made me miss my family again, another place where we spent good times together. I can't wait until I can squeeze them in my arms again. Soon.
In the meantime... I kick back and enjoy this great vacation. Tonight is our big birthday celebration for Jeanne-Marie - the reason we all gathered here in Mexico. She doesn't know yet, but we have a mariachi band booked for a private happy hour, and then a catered dinner. Should be another crazy night with the girls - so much fun!!! Time to get in the shower... Adios!
I went to teach this morning, 3 classes at the little Diego Rivera Preschool in Telchac. It was fantastic!
It felt very comfortable, I basically did the most popular activities from the program I did last year. The kids remembered me and it was very lovely to see them a little more grown-up. My sister took lots of great pictures, she has a very good camera. The school principal has asked me to come back, and informed me that the school will keep growing... next year they will have four groups of children there. Nice! I don't want to make promises, I'll see if things develop in that direction.
We all spent the afternoon in Progreso, most women wanted to shop for souvenirs and since Wednesday is a cruise ship day in Progreso, the craft markets are open (there are 2) and all the vendors are full on with cutting deals. I didn't buy anything, we have plenty of Yucatan memorabilia at home already. I know exactly what souvenirs I will bring back - and I will get them in Merida. We spent a couple of hours in a cafe by the pier, drank beer, ate nachos, and danced to the live band. It was a lot of fun!
Being there made me miss my family again, another place where we spent good times together. I can't wait until I can squeeze them in my arms again. Soon.
In the meantime... I kick back and enjoy this great vacation. Tonight is our big birthday celebration for Jeanne-Marie - the reason we all gathered here in Mexico. She doesn't know yet, but we have a mariachi band booked for a private happy hour, and then a catered dinner. Should be another crazy night with the girls - so much fun!!! Time to get in the shower... Adios!
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Storm has passed...
It was a very challenging couple of weeks before I left last Saturday. Unexpected problems kept popping up and my 'to do' list was left aside for a few days. I am pretty amazed that I didn't forget anything important... I was extremely stressed and ended up packing my suitcase on Friday afternoon, with the kids around and my sister who had arrived in mid-day. I processed everyone's pay a couple of days early, but made a couple of mistakes which I will have to fix when I return. Trying to do too much too fast.
I also had to let go of the teacher I was training - very disappointing... time and money wasted - something I don't have very much of to start with. It was a mistake.
So... I left all that behind, Tim and the boys are just fine, and I can finally relax!
The flight went very well, and 8 of us met at the Cancun airport. We got our pre-arranged ride to Puerto Morelos, and celebrated our first day together. Fun, late night.
On Sunday morning we left at 10am, our private bus was on time and the driver was super nice and chatty. I would book with them anytime when I come back - the company is called USA Transfers - very competitive pricing, and very reliable service.
We stopped in Izamal for lunch and groceries, as planned, it was a nice pit stop.
It was strange to drive through Sudzal without stopping though... and being in Izamal made me miss my family very much. We spent a lot of time there together, good happy times for the four of us.
We arrived in Telchac at around 5pm, beautiful houses, dinner ready (we ordered roasted chicken, rice and tortillas, made a guacamole - yum!). Our first night was excellent, we all danced for hours by the pool - at our house (we have 3 houses). Had a beautiful sleep with the gentle breeze of the ocean (or the Gulf...). Sleeping with my window open is a great treat - I can't do that at home and it bugs me. Wind, dogs barking once in awhile, and the Sound of the waves. Excellent!
Day 2 in Telchac - just got the cars delivered to us (one per house), and we're about to venture out to Progreso for our big grocery shopping adventure. Probably public market first for produce, and then the grocery store. I love shopping for food here - it's a beautiful thing.
Okay - time to go! So far so good!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
6 Days to Departure
All righty! Did a lot work all week long, and cooked a few things to fill the freezer so that Tim and the boys can have a few good meals and manage through the week easily. I picked my clothes for the trip, now I need to find the perfect bag. Small is good, we'll see what I can find in our big closet.
I have another tight week ahead of me, and then work will be this thing far far away. Aaaaaah.
Because my sister LOVES to snorkel, I found a great excursion which we will look into when we arrive in Telchac Puerto. It's called the Scorpion Reef, and archipelago of coral reef located about 8 km North of Progreso, in the Gulf of Mexico. It's a National Park, and has some interesting ship wecks dating as far back as the 1600's - when pirates were ruling these waters. If the pricing is not outrageous and the ride is safe and sound - will probably do it.
I have to finalise the date and time to teach at the Telchac Puerto preschool, and also set a meeting with the owners of a small music school in Merida - friends of Judy. So far I have a lunch date with Judy, and my old friend Jose-Luis will visit us while we're in Merida. If possible I would like to pay a visit to the Alliance Française too. I don't want to book too much, because I want plenty of free time to walk around town. Merida is lovely. In many ways it reminds me of my home town of Quebec City.
And I would also like to do a couple of excursions out of Merida also, like the caves of Loltun, or the great archeological site of Uxmal. I heard a lot of good things about both places, maybe we'll do that... too????? Oh... so many places and so little time!
I'm looking forward to stepping out of my business shoes, it will be good for sure! Lots of decisions to make for the coming year and beyond - and i'm getting a brain cramp. A drastic change of pace and environment should remedy the situation : )
I have another tight week ahead of me, and then work will be this thing far far away. Aaaaaah.
Because my sister LOVES to snorkel, I found a great excursion which we will look into when we arrive in Telchac Puerto. It's called the Scorpion Reef, and archipelago of coral reef located about 8 km North of Progreso, in the Gulf of Mexico. It's a National Park, and has some interesting ship wecks dating as far back as the 1600's - when pirates were ruling these waters. If the pricing is not outrageous and the ride is safe and sound - will probably do it.
I have to finalise the date and time to teach at the Telchac Puerto preschool, and also set a meeting with the owners of a small music school in Merida - friends of Judy. So far I have a lunch date with Judy, and my old friend Jose-Luis will visit us while we're in Merida. If possible I would like to pay a visit to the Alliance Française too. I don't want to book too much, because I want plenty of free time to walk around town. Merida is lovely. In many ways it reminds me of my home town of Quebec City.
And I would also like to do a couple of excursions out of Merida also, like the caves of Loltun, or the great archeological site of Uxmal. I heard a lot of good things about both places, maybe we'll do that... too????? Oh... so many places and so little time!
I'm looking forward to stepping out of my business shoes, it will be good for sure! Lots of decisions to make for the coming year and beyond - and i'm getting a brain cramp. A drastic change of pace and environment should remedy the situation : )
Thursday, April 19, 2012
9 Days to Departure
Now at 9 days to departure, and the countdown has begun. It's a very busy week, which was rather accented by the fact that I lost wallet on Tuesday afternoon. Crud! Cancelled everything after checking every possible pocket and nook 10 times each. Tim is out of town this week so I had no alternate access to our bank account. The first few hours were excruciating... I was very upset and could not believe that this happened to me one week before I leave the country. Crud!
But there is nothing like a good night of sleep... and the following day I took care of business and found that it's actually not so painful nowadays to replace bank cards and driver licence. By Wednesday afternoon, I had my bank cards for my business account, and personal account, as well as a temporary driver's licence in hand. Still some calls to make, but the top items are taken care of. Phew!
On a brighter note, I started to sort my summer clothes to pack my suitcase! Yay! I travel light - simple and minimalist. Things which I know I will wear, and I will do a couple of loads of laundry at the beach house (we have a laundry room). I only bring a few skin care essentials, and I will buy the rest when I get there (shampoo, sun screen, etc.).
It will be a healthy break, and I am very much looking forward to introducing my sister to the Yucatan state. She is a Caribbean fan, loves to snorkle, but knowing her I think that she will love the region and the laid back life style. It will be a nice adventure for her to venture into new territory.
Time to make a list and make sure that I have what I need in my suitcase! Woo hoo!!!
But there is nothing like a good night of sleep... and the following day I took care of business and found that it's actually not so painful nowadays to replace bank cards and driver licence. By Wednesday afternoon, I had my bank cards for my business account, and personal account, as well as a temporary driver's licence in hand. Still some calls to make, but the top items are taken care of. Phew!
On a brighter note, I started to sort my summer clothes to pack my suitcase! Yay! I travel light - simple and minimalist. Things which I know I will wear, and I will do a couple of loads of laundry at the beach house (we have a laundry room). I only bring a few skin care essentials, and I will buy the rest when I get there (shampoo, sun screen, etc.).
It will be a healthy break, and I am very much looking forward to introducing my sister to the Yucatan state. She is a Caribbean fan, loves to snorkle, but knowing her I think that she will love the region and the laid back life style. It will be a nice adventure for her to venture into new territory.
Time to make a list and make sure that I have what I need in my suitcase! Woo hoo!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A Little Bump on the Road
It's been awhile since I posted... caught in the swirl of multitasking I guess.
Time sure flies these days, and I'm almost 2 weeks to departure to Mexico. The last couple of weeks have brought a little bump on the road... one fellow traveller cancelled at four weeks to departure and refuses to pay a cent. My opinion is that it's very lame on her part. Not only do the rest of us have to cover for her empty room in one of the houses, I have to re-calculate transportation cost for each leg of the trip and figure out individual price differences for the 10 of us. No fun - but not the end of the world of course - and that is that.
Business is very good and lined-up until mid-June (closed in the summer) but I have a major challenge... one of my top teachers might stop teaching sometime next year. Lots of notice, but still very challenging because it takes about one year for me to train, and assess a teacher's strengths and level of commitment. Growth is stalled for the time being - I have to look for a new French music teacher now. There is a silver lining to everything, and this unexpected news has forced me to see what I didn't want to look at... like losing a great teacher, which is bound to happen sooner or later. Business must go on.
It also made me consider way to simplify my approach. My current operations are very demanding in terms of prep and processing (admin structure), and it might just be the time to rectify my procedures - work smarter, not harder.
And my upcoming trip to Mexico will be refreshing that's for sure - I do need to walk away from it all. It has been a very emotional time after my teacher announced that she would eventually quit... and at times I was ready to give-up the business altogether and look for a job.
Mexico here I come again! There's nothing like a good break to find a new perspective on a situation - or at least I hope it will be the case!!! I need it!!!!
Time sure flies these days, and I'm almost 2 weeks to departure to Mexico. The last couple of weeks have brought a little bump on the road... one fellow traveller cancelled at four weeks to departure and refuses to pay a cent. My opinion is that it's very lame on her part. Not only do the rest of us have to cover for her empty room in one of the houses, I have to re-calculate transportation cost for each leg of the trip and figure out individual price differences for the 10 of us. No fun - but not the end of the world of course - and that is that.
Business is very good and lined-up until mid-June (closed in the summer) but I have a major challenge... one of my top teachers might stop teaching sometime next year. Lots of notice, but still very challenging because it takes about one year for me to train, and assess a teacher's strengths and level of commitment. Growth is stalled for the time being - I have to look for a new French music teacher now. There is a silver lining to everything, and this unexpected news has forced me to see what I didn't want to look at... like losing a great teacher, which is bound to happen sooner or later. Business must go on.
It also made me consider way to simplify my approach. My current operations are very demanding in terms of prep and processing (admin structure), and it might just be the time to rectify my procedures - work smarter, not harder.
And my upcoming trip to Mexico will be refreshing that's for sure - I do need to walk away from it all. It has been a very emotional time after my teacher announced that she would eventually quit... and at times I was ready to give-up the business altogether and look for a job.
Mexico here I come again! There's nothing like a good break to find a new perspective on a situation - or at least I hope it will be the case!!! I need it!!!!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Spring has sprung!
We just ended a two week period of unusually warm weather here in Toronto. About 15 to 20 celcius above seasonal average... so it's as if we skipped spring and got straight into summer. The warmest day was last Thursday with a beautiful 26 c.
Tree buds have popped, magnolias and cherry trees are in flower, crocuses and tulips are in full bloom, and I even saw a dandelion! Very bizarre.
The trip is still developing and we are now collecting the balance payments for accommodation and transportation from all our travelling companions. Exciting!!!
I have confirmed my teaching in the little Diego Rivera Preschool in Telchac Puerto - they are very happy to have me back, it feels good. And the school has grown to 3 Kindergarten groups (there were 2 last year). They are sweet kids, it will be fun.
I have also arranged to have lunch with Judy, a fantastic person who inspires me very much. She is the founder of Yucatan Today, and when she retired from the magazine she founded Telchac Education - financing the education of about 70 children of Telchac Puerto. Wonderful initiative which changes the outlook of the village. The power of one!
Judy has friends who own and operate a small music school in Merida, and I will explore the possibility of offering teacher training sessions there. I did try to arrange it for this next trip, but it's not realistic to pull it together without having met them in person. I would also like to sponsor one of the owners to teach a series of classes in Telchac. He has done it on a volunteer basis in the past, and I think that there is a way to finance a simple program for that community. The Yucatan - as all of Mexico - has a very rich musical culture and such a program would help in perpetuating the traditional music of the region. Iam not rich, far from it, but a little money goes a long way in rural Yucatan.
Departure in 5 weeks!!!
Tree buds have popped, magnolias and cherry trees are in flower, crocuses and tulips are in full bloom, and I even saw a dandelion! Very bizarre.
The trip is still developing and we are now collecting the balance payments for accommodation and transportation from all our travelling companions. Exciting!!!
I have confirmed my teaching in the little Diego Rivera Preschool in Telchac Puerto - they are very happy to have me back, it feels good. And the school has grown to 3 Kindergarten groups (there were 2 last year). They are sweet kids, it will be fun.
I have also arranged to have lunch with Judy, a fantastic person who inspires me very much. She is the founder of Yucatan Today, and when she retired from the magazine she founded Telchac Education - financing the education of about 70 children of Telchac Puerto. Wonderful initiative which changes the outlook of the village. The power of one!
Judy has friends who own and operate a small music school in Merida, and I will explore the possibility of offering teacher training sessions there. I did try to arrange it for this next trip, but it's not realistic to pull it together without having met them in person. I would also like to sponsor one of the owners to teach a series of classes in Telchac. He has done it on a volunteer basis in the past, and I think that there is a way to finance a simple program for that community. The Yucatan - as all of Mexico - has a very rich musical culture and such a program would help in perpetuating the traditional music of the region. Iam not rich, far from it, but a little money goes a long way in rural Yucatan.
Departure in 5 weeks!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Traveling in Yucatan - Transportation
And still fine tuning the next trip... now about 6 weeks to departure. Woo Hoo!!!!
The transportation seems pretty good, and I have received the adjusted pricing for the various transfers for our group of 11 travellers (we were initially 15 people).
The reduced group number has translated into fair savings on transportation, mainly because the trip from Puerto Morelos to Telchac Puerto now requires only one 14 passenger van instead of two smaller vehicles. That leg of the trip is costing $700us per van (with driver), so this is good news!
I have also arranged two shuttles from the Cancun airport to Puerto Morelos for $50 per van, so those who can catch the ride will pay about $15 per person instead of the regular $25.
And on the last day for most of our traveling friends, there is also a shuttle taking them from their hotel in downtown Mérida to the Cancun airport. That will be a total of $540 shared between 8 passengers - also very good and convenient.
It's all booked with the same company (www.entertainment-plus.net)... I only hope that they are good - I never tried them before. I think that making it worth their while by handeling all our needs will establish a good relationship. If they are bad however - as in not showing-up for example - there are always plenty of competitors to take our business. So we will be fine.
The car rentals are confirmed for our stay in Telchac Puerto, and there will be a car waiting in front of each one of the beach houses upon our arrival. Sweet! This was all arranged via Kab Yucatan (www.kab-yucatan.com), fabulous accommodations on the Yucatan coast, and much more. The average rental cost of a spacious 3 bedroom beach house is $750 per week (with private pool) in early May (low season), and each car is $35 per day. We have dealt with Kab Yucatan n the past - and they are highly recommended.
And back to work... busy busy busy me!
The transportation seems pretty good, and I have received the adjusted pricing for the various transfers for our group of 11 travellers (we were initially 15 people).
The reduced group number has translated into fair savings on transportation, mainly because the trip from Puerto Morelos to Telchac Puerto now requires only one 14 passenger van instead of two smaller vehicles. That leg of the trip is costing $700us per van (with driver), so this is good news!
I have also arranged two shuttles from the Cancun airport to Puerto Morelos for $50 per van, so those who can catch the ride will pay about $15 per person instead of the regular $25.
And on the last day for most of our traveling friends, there is also a shuttle taking them from their hotel in downtown Mérida to the Cancun airport. That will be a total of $540 shared between 8 passengers - also very good and convenient.
It's all booked with the same company (www.entertainment-plus.net)... I only hope that they are good - I never tried them before. I think that making it worth their while by handeling all our needs will establish a good relationship. If they are bad however - as in not showing-up for example - there are always plenty of competitors to take our business. So we will be fine.
The car rentals are confirmed for our stay in Telchac Puerto, and there will be a car waiting in front of each one of the beach houses upon our arrival. Sweet! This was all arranged via Kab Yucatan (www.kab-yucatan.com), fabulous accommodations on the Yucatan coast, and much more. The average rental cost of a spacious 3 bedroom beach house is $750 per week (with private pool) in early May (low season), and each car is $35 per day. We have dealt with Kab Yucatan n the past - and they are highly recommended.
And back to work... busy busy busy me!
Monday, March 5, 2012
A Strong Team
Hard work and vision are the base of a solid start-up business but as it grows, finding the right people is key. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful team of teachers working for me, and I am grateful. Managing people is not always obvious, and it's probably the most challenging part of any career - weather it's your employee, you boss, colleague or your client. It's a complex ongoing dance made of old moved and surprising novelties. So far so good, it all seems to work nicely.
I have introduced my service contract successfully to two of my teachers - they are the pillars in the growth plan and they are both on board for an exciting ride. It's now time to move on to my two other teachers, newer in the team but also very important players. My team is currently composed of very talented, mature and dedicated music teachers - and having them on board for the long run is essential. Yes, so far so good!
The telemarketing sweep will resume by the end of this week, and then I will get into sales mode to follow-up all the leads. I am fully booked until the end of the school year now, and that includes teaching music in elementary schools, and plenty of time for sales and marketing. Spring is always the time to position my business for the following school year - and there is still a lot of work on that front. My market share is the French community here in Toronto, and with this growing demographic we have three new French schools opening in September 2012 - and two of these schools will also have a daycare. Nice!
The schedules are out for approval by my clients for the period from April to June, and it includes some minor tweeking. I will take over one daycare client myself (I usually work in schools) and train on of my junior teachers who already had some training in the past couple of months. If all goes well she sill be able to teach on her own by the time I leave for my Yucatan trip.
Hey... I'm leaving is 8 weeks!!! Woo hooo!
I have introduced my service contract successfully to two of my teachers - they are the pillars in the growth plan and they are both on board for an exciting ride. It's now time to move on to my two other teachers, newer in the team but also very important players. My team is currently composed of very talented, mature and dedicated music teachers - and having them on board for the long run is essential. Yes, so far so good!
The telemarketing sweep will resume by the end of this week, and then I will get into sales mode to follow-up all the leads. I am fully booked until the end of the school year now, and that includes teaching music in elementary schools, and plenty of time for sales and marketing. Spring is always the time to position my business for the following school year - and there is still a lot of work on that front. My market share is the French community here in Toronto, and with this growing demographic we have three new French schools opening in September 2012 - and two of these schools will also have a daycare. Nice!
The schedules are out for approval by my clients for the period from April to June, and it includes some minor tweeking. I will take over one daycare client myself (I usually work in schools) and train on of my junior teachers who already had some training in the past couple of months. If all goes well she sill be able to teach on her own by the time I leave for my Yucatan trip.
Hey... I'm leaving is 8 weeks!!! Woo hooo!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Next trip to Yucatan - The Itinerary
I just booked my return flight, and the plans have developed - like a little creature slowly revealing its features.
My sister will meet me here in Toronto (from Québec City) and we are both flying together to Cancun. From there I have to finalise the transfers arrangements for everyone (I make all transportation arrangements for this trip), there will be two airport shuttles to our hotel on that day. Our meeting point is in Puerto Morelos, all our traveling companions should be there by dinner time. It's a one night pit stop.
On the morning of day 2, we have two shuttles taking us to our beach houses located on the tranquil coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in Telchac Puerto, Yucatan. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive, so will will stop for lunch and for groceries in the lovely colonial town of Izamal. My favorite Mexican town so far - quaint and very pretty, not too big and not too small.
We will arrive at our Telchac Puerto destination in mid-afternoon, with a catered snack waiting for us. We have three beach houses booked for our party of 11 travellers. I have booked three cars too, which will be conveniently parked at each house and ready to go. I booked one for my sister and I, I will be teaching at least one music class in the village, and generally I want to be free to come and go without compromising someone else's plans. The beach house accommodations, catering and car rentals are all coordinated by Susan and her team at K'ab Yucatan - in my opinion (and for having tried others), they are the very best - highly recommended - www.kab-yucatan.com
We will be in Telchac for 5 nights, relaxing and exploring the vicinity. Interesting day excursions include the sea turtle sanctuary in Chelem, the archeological site of Xcambo, the pink flamingoes in Sisal, and Progreso with it's public market and waterfront strip and restaurants. Progreso is also home to a fair size grocery store, and pretty much all the commodities of a small city. It's a 25 minute drive from our beach houses, just perfect!
At the end of the week we all leave the coast and make our way to Mérida, the white city. It's the capital of the state of Yucatan, a vibrant and festive city, rich in history and architecture, museums, theatre, music, cuisine and so much more. I am very much looking forward to that.
The group is spending the night in a nice little hotel in the historic centre of town, and a shuttle will be taking them back to the Cancun airport in the morning.
My sister and I will be in a little apartment in a nearby hotel, and we will be staying four nights. I will see a few friends, connect with the French community, and try to leave plenty of time to enjoy the city. Very much looking forward to that.
Then my sister and I will fly to Cancun to catch our respective flight back home - hers to Québec, mine to Toronto.
I will reveal al the details as we go during the trip, with frequent updates and lots of info and shared tips - so dear travellers, stay tuned around the end of April ! Weepee Yay!
My sister will meet me here in Toronto (from Québec City) and we are both flying together to Cancun. From there I have to finalise the transfers arrangements for everyone (I make all transportation arrangements for this trip), there will be two airport shuttles to our hotel on that day. Our meeting point is in Puerto Morelos, all our traveling companions should be there by dinner time. It's a one night pit stop.
On the morning of day 2, we have two shuttles taking us to our beach houses located on the tranquil coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in Telchac Puerto, Yucatan. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive, so will will stop for lunch and for groceries in the lovely colonial town of Izamal. My favorite Mexican town so far - quaint and very pretty, not too big and not too small.
We will arrive at our Telchac Puerto destination in mid-afternoon, with a catered snack waiting for us. We have three beach houses booked for our party of 11 travellers. I have booked three cars too, which will be conveniently parked at each house and ready to go. I booked one for my sister and I, I will be teaching at least one music class in the village, and generally I want to be free to come and go without compromising someone else's plans. The beach house accommodations, catering and car rentals are all coordinated by Susan and her team at K'ab Yucatan - in my opinion (and for having tried others), they are the very best - highly recommended - www.kab-yucatan.com
We will be in Telchac for 5 nights, relaxing and exploring the vicinity. Interesting day excursions include the sea turtle sanctuary in Chelem, the archeological site of Xcambo, the pink flamingoes in Sisal, and Progreso with it's public market and waterfront strip and restaurants. Progreso is also home to a fair size grocery store, and pretty much all the commodities of a small city. It's a 25 minute drive from our beach houses, just perfect!
At the end of the week we all leave the coast and make our way to Mérida, the white city. It's the capital of the state of Yucatan, a vibrant and festive city, rich in history and architecture, museums, theatre, music, cuisine and so much more. I am very much looking forward to that.
The group is spending the night in a nice little hotel in the historic centre of town, and a shuttle will be taking them back to the Cancun airport in the morning.
My sister and I will be in a little apartment in a nearby hotel, and we will be staying four nights. I will see a few friends, connect with the French community, and try to leave plenty of time to enjoy the city. Very much looking forward to that.
Then my sister and I will fly to Cancun to catch our respective flight back home - hers to Québec, mine to Toronto.
I will reveal al the details as we go during the trip, with frequent updates and lots of info and shared tips - so dear travellers, stay tuned around the end of April ! Weepee Yay!
Monday, February 27, 2012
My Good Fortune
I have been with my life partner Tim for 17 years. He is my good fortune and my bright star.
Over the years we have been through many hurdles, and moments of pure happiness, like many other couples. We were not an obvious match in terms of life style, and I have learned a great deal from him. I have learned to not sweat the small stuff so much, to do my best in any given situation and accept the outcome, and I have learned to pick my battles and control my temper. And I'm not done learning from him... he is wise and kind. We have two beautiful sons, and I could not have chosen a better father for my children.
I have not always been able to recognise what Tim is bringing to my life, like many other partners in a long time relationship. At certain times I had serious doubts about our relationship and contemplated a separation. Finances have been a source of stress... mostly for me. The fact that he is not so good at sorting priorities when it comes to house chores... not handy and a bit clumsy... and I felt that it was all on my shoulders. It often all made me irritable and far from charming of course. But for the most part, it was my own expectations that were making it difficult. Slowly but surely, Tim showed me bring all that to my own comfort level and not be so concerned about what others may think.
There will still be days ahead when I might read this and wonder how I could see all that. But thank God, I know better and I can acknowledge that it's just my state of mind on a bad day. Tim is the same wonderful guy all along, and I love him to bits.
Over the years we have been through many hurdles, and moments of pure happiness, like many other couples. We were not an obvious match in terms of life style, and I have learned a great deal from him. I have learned to not sweat the small stuff so much, to do my best in any given situation and accept the outcome, and I have learned to pick my battles and control my temper. And I'm not done learning from him... he is wise and kind. We have two beautiful sons, and I could not have chosen a better father for my children.
I have not always been able to recognise what Tim is bringing to my life, like many other partners in a long time relationship. At certain times I had serious doubts about our relationship and contemplated a separation. Finances have been a source of stress... mostly for me. The fact that he is not so good at sorting priorities when it comes to house chores... not handy and a bit clumsy... and I felt that it was all on my shoulders. It often all made me irritable and far from charming of course. But for the most part, it was my own expectations that were making it difficult. Slowly but surely, Tim showed me bring all that to my own comfort level and not be so concerned about what others may think.
There will still be days ahead when I might read this and wonder how I could see all that. But thank God, I know better and I can acknowledge that it's just my state of mind on a bad day. Tim is the same wonderful guy all along, and I love him to bits.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Sweet Escapade
Work is challenging these days, a lot to do on all fronts and waring all the hats. I met our new accountant, and got one year of income tax pretty much out of the way. I have two years to file (woops), so one more to go. One of the things I have to include is an assessment of the business portion of my Family Escapade to Mexico. It turns out that I can claim some of it as research and development expenses, and I have to figure out the fair amount - with receipts to support the claim. Good!
The Yucatan trip is about 8 weeks away now, and with all the work I have until then weeks will go by in a jiffy. I still have to get my passport renewed, can't let that fall between the cracks! I'm thinking about all the things I want to do in my 10 days there, such a short time after our three month escapade of last year... but I also have to keep myself from over planning. Keeping it simple will make it all manageable, and that means more relaxing.
I miss the ranch (Kalax-Wayak ranch, Sudzal, Yucatan). That's the part of our escapade that I enjoyed the most. I always thought that the sea was a serene environment, until we spent one month in a Caribbean beach house and 3 weeks in a Gulf of Mexico beach house. The sea is a very temperamental companion to live with, and for all the sweet, quiet and tranquil days, there are many loud windy and stormy outbursts. The wind is king by the sea, and we have experienced many nights where pretty much everything around us was merrily whistling.
But inland, far into farm land, it's as quiet as quiet can be. Well, there are some noises from time to time of course... but some dogs barking or the roosters are good sounds to me. The cows, the sheep, it's all good. I discovered that the country side is my cup of tea, and I want more of it. I will go back to Sudzal some day, maybe a quick visit this time around if it seems to work - but some day I will go back for a nice long stay.
I'm meeting with Jeanne-Marie on Friday night, we will put the final touch to the plans - car rentals and such. It will be a nice change from my enormous work load!
The Yucatan trip is about 8 weeks away now, and with all the work I have until then weeks will go by in a jiffy. I still have to get my passport renewed, can't let that fall between the cracks! I'm thinking about all the things I want to do in my 10 days there, such a short time after our three month escapade of last year... but I also have to keep myself from over planning. Keeping it simple will make it all manageable, and that means more relaxing.
I miss the ranch (Kalax-Wayak ranch, Sudzal, Yucatan). That's the part of our escapade that I enjoyed the most. I always thought that the sea was a serene environment, until we spent one month in a Caribbean beach house and 3 weeks in a Gulf of Mexico beach house. The sea is a very temperamental companion to live with, and for all the sweet, quiet and tranquil days, there are many loud windy and stormy outbursts. The wind is king by the sea, and we have experienced many nights where pretty much everything around us was merrily whistling.
But inland, far into farm land, it's as quiet as quiet can be. Well, there are some noises from time to time of course... but some dogs barking or the roosters are good sounds to me. The cows, the sheep, it's all good. I discovered that the country side is my cup of tea, and I want more of it. I will go back to Sudzal some day, maybe a quick visit this time around if it seems to work - but some day I will go back for a nice long stay.
I'm meeting with Jeanne-Marie on Friday night, we will put the final touch to the plans - car rentals and such. It will be a nice change from my enormous work load!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
On a roll
Had a very busy week, replaced one of my teachers who was not well and gave 7 classes on Wednesday. I had 9 on my schedule but decided to postpone the last two... a wise move. I did a nice little Orff orchestration with a couple of Grade 4 classes on that day, and they were brilliant. I love to see them pulling together and make music, it's pure joy for all of us.
My schedule is filled solid until my departure on April 28, so the trip will be a refreshing hiatus from work. It's good to have that candy dangling ahead of me. Keeps me focused, with just the right dose of day dreaming. It will be a 12 day journey, and that's the most difficult part for me. It will be hard to do everything I would like to do... that means difficult choices. I'm not the type of traveler to rush from one place to another, I like to drop the anchor and settle in as much as possible. Fill the dresser and put my empty suitcase in the storage room. But it won't be that kind of trip this time around. Still... it will be deeply soothing to be in Yucatan, as usual.
This weekend will be all about income tax. I have an appointment with my new accountant on Tuesday, and it has to be all sorted and ready. Oddly, I am very much looking forward to it - not the sorting part... but the meeting. It will hopefully clarify a few things and help me settle the plans for the next few years. It's easier to have fun when you know you're on solid grounds!
In the meantime spring is growing stronger here in Toronto, and I like it!
My schedule is filled solid until my departure on April 28, so the trip will be a refreshing hiatus from work. It's good to have that candy dangling ahead of me. Keeps me focused, with just the right dose of day dreaming. It will be a 12 day journey, and that's the most difficult part for me. It will be hard to do everything I would like to do... that means difficult choices. I'm not the type of traveler to rush from one place to another, I like to drop the anchor and settle in as much as possible. Fill the dresser and put my empty suitcase in the storage room. But it won't be that kind of trip this time around. Still... it will be deeply soothing to be in Yucatan, as usual.
This weekend will be all about income tax. I have an appointment with my new accountant on Tuesday, and it has to be all sorted and ready. Oddly, I am very much looking forward to it - not the sorting part... but the meeting. It will hopefully clarify a few things and help me settle the plans for the next few years. It's easier to have fun when you know you're on solid grounds!
In the meantime spring is growing stronger here in Toronto, and I like it!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Foresight
I once heard that foresight is what distinguishes mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom. I think that vision is equally important - closely related to foresight, like the chicken and the egg. Which came first?
I made a few timid steps towards business growth. The beginning of the deployment of yet another phase leading to the full vision of my business - Le Petit Atelier. It comes much later then what I originally planned when I launched the business, but I'm not too concerned with that. I believe in nurturing the natural growth curve of my business, and not push things through only for the sake of fast growth. I kept at it patiently, and this school year is providing me with all the signs I was waiting for.
Made contact with a new accountant who was highly recommended by a friend. Booked formal meetings with my two pillar teachers, where I will present them with the first draft of their service contract. Ready to fire off a fair size marketing effort beginning this week, which will hopefully translate into a couple of new clients this spring, and strong leads for the fall. Other upcoming tasks on my 'to do' list include merging the English and French operations, with one logo, one website, one bank account. I don't particularly enjoy this type of admin work... the web stuff is fine but banks nearly make my hair curl from resentment whenever I have to go in. In short, I think they could save the world many folds but those sleazy blood suckers are way too greedy, and way too busy finding new ways to rob us with a smile. If they keep up with their ever evolving little tricks, soon we will pay a fee to walk into a bank.
Oh yeah... surprise surprise - we have snow on the ground in Toronto! A very unusual winter so far. An average of +2 celcius in January, and +4 in the first 10 days of February... usually this is the coldest part of the winter - we call it the 'dead of winter'. We've been at least 10 degrees above normal - that's a lot!
Sitting in my dining room, looking out to the park covered with white snow, and thinking about... my next trip to Yucatan! Another thing to add to my 'to do' list : Passport renewal. Yesss!!!
I made a few timid steps towards business growth. The beginning of the deployment of yet another phase leading to the full vision of my business - Le Petit Atelier. It comes much later then what I originally planned when I launched the business, but I'm not too concerned with that. I believe in nurturing the natural growth curve of my business, and not push things through only for the sake of fast growth. I kept at it patiently, and this school year is providing me with all the signs I was waiting for.
Made contact with a new accountant who was highly recommended by a friend. Booked formal meetings with my two pillar teachers, where I will present them with the first draft of their service contract. Ready to fire off a fair size marketing effort beginning this week, which will hopefully translate into a couple of new clients this spring, and strong leads for the fall. Other upcoming tasks on my 'to do' list include merging the English and French operations, with one logo, one website, one bank account. I don't particularly enjoy this type of admin work... the web stuff is fine but banks nearly make my hair curl from resentment whenever I have to go in. In short, I think they could save the world many folds but those sleazy blood suckers are way too greedy, and way too busy finding new ways to rob us with a smile. If they keep up with their ever evolving little tricks, soon we will pay a fee to walk into a bank.
Oh yeah... surprise surprise - we have snow on the ground in Toronto! A very unusual winter so far. An average of +2 celcius in January, and +4 in the first 10 days of February... usually this is the coldest part of the winter - we call it the 'dead of winter'. We've been at least 10 degrees above normal - that's a lot!
Sitting in my dining room, looking out to the park covered with white snow, and thinking about... my next trip to Yucatan! Another thing to add to my 'to do' list : Passport renewal. Yesss!!!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Seatbelt required!
Did I mention that running a business feels like driving through the Rockies at times? Well, it pretty much sums-up my week.
I had a couple of rough patches, slippery slopes and sharp turns, but I was able to get through with all my team and all my clients on board. The road ahead is smoother, but I suspect that there are still some bumps coming-up not too far.
One aspect of my job that I enjoy very much is the fact that I go in a school, teach my classes, and get to leave with a smile as soon as I'm done. I'm not part of the core team, not involved in the cultural drama or the political games of the place, and I LOVE it. I've had my fair share of corporate life in my previous career, and this sort of detachment is a real joy.
As an outsider, it's very interesting to work in many different schools. In most schools, one can feel the culture of the place fairly quickly. Well managed schools are mostly filled with happy adults and children, and there is a clear sense of mutual respect. The atmosphere is positive and the adults in the place are focused on the solutions - not the problems. But it's a fragile balance and a change of management style can destroy it within a few weeks.
Badly managed schools - very few schools around here thankfully - foster frustrations and reluctance to cooperate. This is reflected in the adults attitude towards the children, and the children's attitude towards the adults - and ultimately everyone in the place is resenting authority. It takes a strong leader and a very long time to turn that around.
This week reminded me that although I want to bring music education to as many children as I can, some schools are just best to stay away from... at least for awhile. I'm dealing with one of those right now, trying to navigate through with much diplomacy, and get out of there as gracefully as possible - and with my so far spotless reputation left undamaged. No fun, but excellent training in communication etiquette. Clear and confident but suave, very effective but never imposing, and all wrapped in a pleasant and friendly disposition. It does require occasional tongue biting... my own of course : )
Okay, moving forward with the glass half full! Time to tackle the growing pain.
I had a couple of rough patches, slippery slopes and sharp turns, but I was able to get through with all my team and all my clients on board. The road ahead is smoother, but I suspect that there are still some bumps coming-up not too far.
One aspect of my job that I enjoy very much is the fact that I go in a school, teach my classes, and get to leave with a smile as soon as I'm done. I'm not part of the core team, not involved in the cultural drama or the political games of the place, and I LOVE it. I've had my fair share of corporate life in my previous career, and this sort of detachment is a real joy.
As an outsider, it's very interesting to work in many different schools. In most schools, one can feel the culture of the place fairly quickly. Well managed schools are mostly filled with happy adults and children, and there is a clear sense of mutual respect. The atmosphere is positive and the adults in the place are focused on the solutions - not the problems. But it's a fragile balance and a change of management style can destroy it within a few weeks.
Badly managed schools - very few schools around here thankfully - foster frustrations and reluctance to cooperate. This is reflected in the adults attitude towards the children, and the children's attitude towards the adults - and ultimately everyone in the place is resenting authority. It takes a strong leader and a very long time to turn that around.
This week reminded me that although I want to bring music education to as many children as I can, some schools are just best to stay away from... at least for awhile. I'm dealing with one of those right now, trying to navigate through with much diplomacy, and get out of there as gracefully as possible - and with my so far spotless reputation left undamaged. No fun, but excellent training in communication etiquette. Clear and confident but suave, very effective but never imposing, and all wrapped in a pleasant and friendly disposition. It does require occasional tongue biting... my own of course : )
Okay, moving forward with the glass half full! Time to tackle the growing pain.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Click!
Pretty amazing how we create our own monsters, ghosts, insecurities, and obstacles. I had an enlightening conversation last night, with the right person and at the right time it seems - and something clicked big time. It triggered a clarity that I have not experienced in awhile.
About three years ago I had an episode of what I label as 'deep mid-life confusion and doubt', and I have been trying to retrieve my usual pre-confusion energy ever since. Something had shifted, and up to now I was convinced that I was not going to find my old self again. I felt slightly damaged, and could not put my finger on what needed to be fixed.
Now I see that most of that state of mind is of my own fabrication. I let it happen, and fostered the idea that part of me was broken forever. Dwelling on my loss of clarity over the past couple of years, I was pretty good at convincing myself that it was a change I had to accept. Self sabotage. I find this fascinating... people are such complicated creatures!
So yesterday, the person I was conversing with said exactly what I needed to hear to make me sort of stand back and see this personal hurdle in a slightly different light and angle. It was just enough to reveal what I needed to see... and it feels tremendously empowering.
I am back. Thank you for your good words of wisdom dear Tanya!
About three years ago I had an episode of what I label as 'deep mid-life confusion and doubt', and I have been trying to retrieve my usual pre-confusion energy ever since. Something had shifted, and up to now I was convinced that I was not going to find my old self again. I felt slightly damaged, and could not put my finger on what needed to be fixed.
Now I see that most of that state of mind is of my own fabrication. I let it happen, and fostered the idea that part of me was broken forever. Dwelling on my loss of clarity over the past couple of years, I was pretty good at convincing myself that it was a change I had to accept. Self sabotage. I find this fascinating... people are such complicated creatures!
So yesterday, the person I was conversing with said exactly what I needed to hear to make me sort of stand back and see this personal hurdle in a slightly different light and angle. It was just enough to reveal what I needed to see... and it feels tremendously empowering.
I am back. Thank you for your good words of wisdom dear Tanya!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Business is business
Learning from my mistakes, but learning. One of my employees is a good friend, and it's difficult to draw the line between business and friendship sometimes. I must keep things clearly separate, and it's up to me to set the boundaries. This is a sign - The time has come to formalise my relationship with all my teachers, with a service contract. Everything is in place in terms of structure, but ironically it's not written down formally.
I have found a few good service agreement samples online, and the best one is by an online service providing legal forms of all sorts - customising contracts and agreements in fairly detailed terms. I have decided to purchase a two week license ($15) to design and generate the contracts that I need. This will secure my team for awhile, and protect my client base and zone of operations by the same token.
I don't foresee any problems in completing this important (and overdue) step, but I do expect that my friend will be reluctant in making this type of commitment. She is a free spirit! But there can be no exception - I can't move forward without a clear agreement from all parties. I invest in my team's training and professional growth, I put my clients in their capable hands, and I need to know that they are on board for the long run. My business is about to grow, and it makes sense to solidify the base before undertaking more business.
Oh boy... such serious stuff!!! Lighten-up already : )
I have found a few good service agreement samples online, and the best one is by an online service providing legal forms of all sorts - customising contracts and agreements in fairly detailed terms. I have decided to purchase a two week license ($15) to design and generate the contracts that I need. This will secure my team for awhile, and protect my client base and zone of operations by the same token.
I don't foresee any problems in completing this important (and overdue) step, but I do expect that my friend will be reluctant in making this type of commitment. She is a free spirit! But there can be no exception - I can't move forward without a clear agreement from all parties. I invest in my team's training and professional growth, I put my clients in their capable hands, and I need to know that they are on board for the long run. My business is about to grow, and it makes sense to solidify the base before undertaking more business.
Oh boy... such serious stuff!!! Lighten-up already : )
Friday, January 27, 2012
Growing Pains
Building a business is not a straight road leading steadily upward. Occasional roadblocks or obstacles to navigate around, some sharper turns, and at times it feels like zig-zagging in the Rockies. But the point I have reached with my business - www.lepetitatlier.ca - has more to do with increasing the size of the vehicle than the road it travels on right now.
The plan? Zero in on specific types of music workshops, expand the zone of operations, and increase market shares of the downtown Toronto area - in the next 12 months. Zappidi Boo! Oh how I wish I had a magic wand...
A sales sweep is in order - I had great results with telemarketing before, so I will go that route again. I have hired a new teacher too, she will begin her paid training next Thursday in one of the after school series for Kindergarten kids. She will be assisting the teacher, and learn a lot of repertoire by the same token. I am planning on adding some training in daycares for younger children as well, and if all goes well she will be ready to teach on her own by Easter. I'm very happy to work with her, I think that she will be a great fit. I had hired her last fall, but she ended-up accepting a three month gig on a cruise ship with her trio. I can't blame her... I would have done the same. So now that she's back and ready to commit, I will do some tweeking with the upcoming spring trimester and bring her up to speed - and she will be ready and solid for the fall of 2012.
By the fall I will have four teachers working in downtown daycares, I will be teaching in schools downtown and occasionally in the suburbs, and I'll be working out of town for some school series and teacher training workshops - with one other teacher in my team to cover early childhood teacher training. The plan may seem like a straight arrow shooting upward right now, but it won't be long before the waves and the swirls kick in. It's the nature of the beast, and the beast is growing... ouch!
The plan? Zero in on specific types of music workshops, expand the zone of operations, and increase market shares of the downtown Toronto area - in the next 12 months. Zappidi Boo! Oh how I wish I had a magic wand...
A sales sweep is in order - I had great results with telemarketing before, so I will go that route again. I have hired a new teacher too, she will begin her paid training next Thursday in one of the after school series for Kindergarten kids. She will be assisting the teacher, and learn a lot of repertoire by the same token. I am planning on adding some training in daycares for younger children as well, and if all goes well she will be ready to teach on her own by Easter. I'm very happy to work with her, I think that she will be a great fit. I had hired her last fall, but she ended-up accepting a three month gig on a cruise ship with her trio. I can't blame her... I would have done the same. So now that she's back and ready to commit, I will do some tweeking with the upcoming spring trimester and bring her up to speed - and she will be ready and solid for the fall of 2012.
By the fall I will have four teachers working in downtown daycares, I will be teaching in schools downtown and occasionally in the suburbs, and I'll be working out of town for some school series and teacher training workshops - with one other teacher in my team to cover early childhood teacher training. The plan may seem like a straight arrow shooting upward right now, but it won't be long before the waves and the swirls kick in. It's the nature of the beast, and the beast is growing... ouch!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Fear of Mexico
Here in Canada, Mexico is back on the news again for a series of sordid crimes which took place in recent weeks. Murders and vicious attacks on Canadian tourists... nothing to do with the drug cartels fighting for their share of the market.
I was always one to strongly advice people to filter what their hear on the media with common sense - Mexico is a BIG country! To put it in prospective, ask yourself if you would feel safe going to Vancouver if a murder took place in Toronto (which they do... of course). Troubled areas comprise about 1% of Mexico - but for some reason, the media is all over it as soon as it happens and are quick to report it as a 'Mexico' incident. What if we replaced the word 'Mexico' with the word 'Canada', or 'United States' - with little regard on where exactly the incident took place? Would you still go on vacation in Florida if you hear that someone was viciously beaten in the United States? Do these types of crimes on Canadians happen in other countries? In other vacation destinations? Yes, they do. Then why don't we hear bout these?
This has been going on for years... and Mexico has a reputation for being a risky destination now. With these recent headlines, two of our fellow travellers have pulled out of our upcoming trip to Yucatan because they fear that something bad is likely to happen. I'm getting tired of waving the safety flag and quite honestly, I can't say that it's perfectly safe either... no inhabited place on earth is perfectly safe.
For the first time - I feel that undertaking a project in the tourism sector is pretty much doomed right now in Mexico. Especially if it involves getting out of the mainstream resort style. If most people tend to be fearful about Mexico, very few will be interested in venturing out of the beaten path and drive around the country - no matter how remote, safe and peaceful the state of Yucatan may really be. So I think that for the time being, it's wise to keep the next trip as yet another vacation - with passive research and development.
I was always one to strongly advice people to filter what their hear on the media with common sense - Mexico is a BIG country! To put it in prospective, ask yourself if you would feel safe going to Vancouver if a murder took place in Toronto (which they do... of course). Troubled areas comprise about 1% of Mexico - but for some reason, the media is all over it as soon as it happens and are quick to report it as a 'Mexico' incident. What if we replaced the word 'Mexico' with the word 'Canada', or 'United States' - with little regard on where exactly the incident took place? Would you still go on vacation in Florida if you hear that someone was viciously beaten in the United States? Do these types of crimes on Canadians happen in other countries? In other vacation destinations? Yes, they do. Then why don't we hear bout these?
This has been going on for years... and Mexico has a reputation for being a risky destination now. With these recent headlines, two of our fellow travellers have pulled out of our upcoming trip to Yucatan because they fear that something bad is likely to happen. I'm getting tired of waving the safety flag and quite honestly, I can't say that it's perfectly safe either... no inhabited place on earth is perfectly safe.
For the first time - I feel that undertaking a project in the tourism sector is pretty much doomed right now in Mexico. Especially if it involves getting out of the mainstream resort style. If most people tend to be fearful about Mexico, very few will be interested in venturing out of the beaten path and drive around the country - no matter how remote, safe and peaceful the state of Yucatan may really be. So I think that for the time being, it's wise to keep the next trip as yet another vacation - with passive research and development.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Dark Monday
A couple of days ago I heard on the radio that the third Monday of January is considered to be the worst day of the year... it's called Dark Monday or something like that. It's cold, many people struggle with their post-Holiday bills, and many have already failed at keeping their new year's resolutions. Of course, the next thing you hear is how the economy is crumbling, and how many people were killed around the world. Yay! Good morning to you too! There is a crying need for positive news in the media...
I am getting back into work mode, and getting organised for my upcoming teaching engagements. It's all looking pretty good so far, and my team is working at maximum capacity. I have a new teacher on board, and he will be starting on Monday. I gave him two training sessions, and I will be accompanying him in the classroom for as long as he needs... probably three weeks. Looking forward to seeing him at work, his teaching style will determine what type of assignments I can give him.
I am looking into sorting out our finances... with interest rates dropping so low we will be exploring our mortgage options. Tim will also sort out our phone and cable and internet cost, we can surely get a better deal - it's a drag to research that, but well worth it.
Tim is starting a hockey school for women, fantastic idea!!! It looks like it will work out... it will start on the first week of February. I hope that it will be a success, he certainly deserves it - and the cashflow will be a relief. I purchased lottery tickets last week and this week... a sure sing of financial despair for me... I don't count on luck when it comes to money. It sounds silly, but I accidentally broke 3 glasses last week and one yesterday. I never break dishes, so I figured that it might be a sign - maybe my guardian angel is trying to tell me something. Is breaking glass really a sign of good luck? I guess we'll see.
One day at the time... focus on the task of the moment... soon February... and then March, and Spring time.
I am getting back into work mode, and getting organised for my upcoming teaching engagements. It's all looking pretty good so far, and my team is working at maximum capacity. I have a new teacher on board, and he will be starting on Monday. I gave him two training sessions, and I will be accompanying him in the classroom for as long as he needs... probably three weeks. Looking forward to seeing him at work, his teaching style will determine what type of assignments I can give him.
I am looking into sorting out our finances... with interest rates dropping so low we will be exploring our mortgage options. Tim will also sort out our phone and cable and internet cost, we can surely get a better deal - it's a drag to research that, but well worth it.
Tim is starting a hockey school for women, fantastic idea!!! It looks like it will work out... it will start on the first week of February. I hope that it will be a success, he certainly deserves it - and the cashflow will be a relief. I purchased lottery tickets last week and this week... a sure sing of financial despair for me... I don't count on luck when it comes to money. It sounds silly, but I accidentally broke 3 glasses last week and one yesterday. I never break dishes, so I figured that it might be a sign - maybe my guardian angel is trying to tell me something. Is breaking glass really a sign of good luck? I guess we'll see.
One day at the time... focus on the task of the moment... soon February... and then March, and Spring time.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Winter has arrived
Yep, on Friday, January 13, 2012 - winter has arrived in Toronto. Snow, followed by very cold days. As much as it feels normal to have true winter weather at last, it's a reminder that it's my least favorite time of the year. I get the blues... working seems much more difficult... and I try hard to focus on the task of the moment instead of dwelling on the frozen world I have to live in, probably until late March. I hang on to facts which are sure signs of upcoming late winter and early spring... like days getting longer, and Valentine's day, and bulb flowers available in stores soon after, and March Break... Can't wait until the world turns green again.
My sons LOVE winter - and it does make it a bit easier to see them enjoy the season. Tim is out with them, he is also fond of winter. I'm the one staying home to work on whatever has to be done, welcoming them in their warm and cozy home with hot chocolate.
I am also starting to loosely look at our plans for the summer - that too makes my days a little easier. I will invest some time and energy in fixing-up our backyard, it will be good for me, and everyone in the family will enjoy the outcome. I have not taken care of our yard for at least three years... a reflection of my state of mind and mid-life personal confusion. I think that getting back into gardening will be therapeutic in many ways.
Is this the post-holiday blues? Possibly... it was pretty sweet to be free for a couple of weeks.
My sons LOVE winter - and it does make it a bit easier to see them enjoy the season. Tim is out with them, he is also fond of winter. I'm the one staying home to work on whatever has to be done, welcoming them in their warm and cozy home with hot chocolate.
I am also starting to loosely look at our plans for the summer - that too makes my days a little easier. I will invest some time and energy in fixing-up our backyard, it will be good for me, and everyone in the family will enjoy the outcome. I have not taken care of our yard for at least three years... a reflection of my state of mind and mid-life personal confusion. I think that getting back into gardening will be therapeutic in many ways.
Is this the post-holiday blues? Possibly... it was pretty sweet to be free for a couple of weeks.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Developments on the next trip...
The next trip is most definitely developing in interesting ways... and not at all as I initially intended to. It's a wonderful exercise in letting go, I tend to be very focused on my own vision when planning a trip. Adjusting to my friend Jeanne-Marie's concept is exciting, I know I will have loads of fun with her, and certainly some of her friends too.
I was feeling a bit like the odd girl out since most of our fellow travellers are JM's friends who know each other - when surprise surprise... One of my sisters is joining us! And she will be staying with me in Mérida as well - Fantastic!!! She will meet me here in Toronto, and we will fly to Mexico together. She was able to book the seat beside mine! I'm thrilled.
Furhtermore... my old friend Jose-Luis will be in Merida in early May, and is looking forward to getting together when I get there! Jose-Luis is the very first person I met the very first time I went to Mexico for a vacation - in Cancun, 26 years ago. A few months later when I moved to Cancun, him and his wife Neous took me somewhat under their wing. Jose-Luis introduced me to his French circle of friends, we would go out on various excursions, I eventually rented an apartment with Jose-Luis's brother in the house of one of those good friends, Christian and Yvonne. It was my first home base in Mexico.
And to add to the excitement, there is the pilot project I will be able to explore with my partner in crazy ideas... my sister Céline who is joining me on this trip. In terms of structure and itinerary, it's the perfect opportunity to investigate every angle, on site. It feels like the start of the outcome - fifteen years of planning and assessing... something is about to happen!
With all that of course comes the price tag, and I do have to pedal hard for cashflow until my departure in late Apri. After my return in mid-May too no doubt. All worth the extra effort and coordination of course, very much so.
I was feeling a bit like the odd girl out since most of our fellow travellers are JM's friends who know each other - when surprise surprise... One of my sisters is joining us! And she will be staying with me in Mérida as well - Fantastic!!! She will meet me here in Toronto, and we will fly to Mexico together. She was able to book the seat beside mine! I'm thrilled.
Furhtermore... my old friend Jose-Luis will be in Merida in early May, and is looking forward to getting together when I get there! Jose-Luis is the very first person I met the very first time I went to Mexico for a vacation - in Cancun, 26 years ago. A few months later when I moved to Cancun, him and his wife Neous took me somewhat under their wing. Jose-Luis introduced me to his French circle of friends, we would go out on various excursions, I eventually rented an apartment with Jose-Luis's brother in the house of one of those good friends, Christian and Yvonne. It was my first home base in Mexico.
And to add to the excitement, there is the pilot project I will be able to explore with my partner in crazy ideas... my sister Céline who is joining me on this trip. In terms of structure and itinerary, it's the perfect opportunity to investigate every angle, on site. It feels like the start of the outcome - fifteen years of planning and assessing... something is about to happen!
With all that of course comes the price tag, and I do have to pedal hard for cashflow until my departure in late Apri. After my return in mid-May too no doubt. All worth the extra effort and coordination of course, very much so.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Flipping the page to a new year
We had a great party on January 1st, all afternoon and until about 8pm. Such a collection of good old friends show-up every time, it's a happy tradition. Good food too of course, most guests bring something and I prepare some plates too. Eating party style is wonderful, tasting a little this and a little of that, good wine and good company, I like it. I guess it's a matter of mood too of course, so does that mean that I'm into the Holidays? Maybe... the eating and the sleeping in parts anyway : )
Today is January 2, and I am transitioning back to work this week. Already sent a bunch of invoices today, and sent a few emails to confirm new students. I still have to prepare for my teacher training session of January 9th, with my two French Music Teachers 'Extrordinaires', preparing the team for the winter program. New seasonal activities, making sure that they have a good plan in hands and the material they need. I took a look at some employment contracts... I'll have to give it my best shot and prepare a draft. After all, I do have some HR experience from a past life.
I also have to prepare for a meeting with the principal of Le Collège Français, they lost their music teacher and I will propose a couple of programs to address some requirements of the provincial curriculum. They expressed interest in my application for the full time job, but as crazy as it may seem - I am not interested at this time. I very much enjoy being a free agent.
On the Mexico front, an old project has resurfaced as the prime opportunity for the next trip. I actually have started drafting that project before I was a music teacher - and eventually decided to put it aside and see if the future might revive it. It seems to be the time! The main idea is to offer a vacation package in a beach house instead of a hotel setting. I'm very excited because this trip will allow me to run a test drive for a 5 day program, and get valuable feedback from a fair size group of guests. Showing off Yucatan and its lifestyle as I love it is most definitely a fun project!!! I would also like to link this project to Telchac Education, an important ethical component for the full blown version of this idea - and in any foreign business activity, in my view.
2012 is looking good so far!!!
Today is January 2, and I am transitioning back to work this week. Already sent a bunch of invoices today, and sent a few emails to confirm new students. I still have to prepare for my teacher training session of January 9th, with my two French Music Teachers 'Extrordinaires', preparing the team for the winter program. New seasonal activities, making sure that they have a good plan in hands and the material they need. I took a look at some employment contracts... I'll have to give it my best shot and prepare a draft. After all, I do have some HR experience from a past life.
I also have to prepare for a meeting with the principal of Le Collège Français, they lost their music teacher and I will propose a couple of programs to address some requirements of the provincial curriculum. They expressed interest in my application for the full time job, but as crazy as it may seem - I am not interested at this time. I very much enjoy being a free agent.
On the Mexico front, an old project has resurfaced as the prime opportunity for the next trip. I actually have started drafting that project before I was a music teacher - and eventually decided to put it aside and see if the future might revive it. It seems to be the time! The main idea is to offer a vacation package in a beach house instead of a hotel setting. I'm very excited because this trip will allow me to run a test drive for a 5 day program, and get valuable feedback from a fair size group of guests. Showing off Yucatan and its lifestyle as I love it is most definitely a fun project!!! I would also like to link this project to Telchac Education, an important ethical component for the full blown version of this idea - and in any foreign business activity, in my view.
2012 is looking good so far!!!
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