Life Balance:
An easier way to fl y
What a great offer! A US organization is hosting a Food Bank Development Conference in Newport Beach, California. Over 200 food bank peers in attendance that will provide great inspiration. Some time away to think, rejuvenate, reflect and get creative (I think Jim Collins calls it “white space”) – and the best part – all expenses paid by the event sponsor. How can I say no? … then, the “Mommy” guilt kicks in – the balancing of schedules, trying to minimize the time away from home (thank goodness for Super Dad who keeps everything running smoothly) but nonetheless it is the thought process you go through when planning a business trip. But the stress starts to diminish when I realize that flying out of YKF is an option! Departing on Monday Breakfast with the kids, (or the version of breakfast with teenagers who are running out the door at the last possible second) I know, I know – they are old enough to take care of themselves – but we only have a few years before they head off to university and I am enjoying every moment I can. Departing from YKF, I am able to get a half day at the office and a working lunch facilitates a ride to the airport. After the 30 second check-in with the friendly American Airlines staff, I head to security (no line) and settle into the lounge just ten minutes after I arrived. I think about how much work I have accomplished by not driving to Toronto. So today – I am four hours ahead of the game! By hitching a ride, I did get to YKF a bit early and took the opportunity to set up in the lounge with my laptop and a beverage and clear out some emails. A slight delay due to the weather provided additional time to make a couple of phone calls and check in on the kids as they get home from school. Once in Chicago – I refer to the seven steps to get through the terminal I printed out from the airport website. I admitI was a little intimidated by the size of O’Hare – but the instructions made it sound easy – and it was. A good walk was exactly what I needed (and according to my Nike Fuel Band – it was a great substitute for skipping a trip to the gym). My layover was tight but I fit in a delicious bagel sandwich and tried not to get distracted by the Chicago style popcorn. I do believe O’Hare has the best food concessions I have ever seen in an airport! Successfully boarded and on my way to John Wayne International Airport! Who needs to go to LAX and battle traffic when there is an alternative? Smart choice – I arrived at my hotel 30 minutes after stepping out into the warm California air. Waking up to swaying palm trees is always a treat and even more enjoyable to think how quickly and easily I was able to get to Newport Beach. Off to the first session and joined some other Canadian colleagues with great stories of flight delays, missing luggage, Mississauga traffic and the trek from LAX to our Newport venue. I think they were surprised that I was able to fly locally and maybe slightly jealous of
my fast, easy and relaxing story. My trip wound down during the emergence of an east coast super-storm. The conference room was abuzz with storm warning conversations, the frantic rebooking of flights and creative options “just in case”. But every time I checked my flight – all was well (although, I had some hotel room options in Chicago … just in case). Believe it or not – the final leg of my journey – Chicago to YKF – on Friday, February 8 – the day Waterloo Region shut down – was on time. Yes, we had to walk through a snow drift (the girl behind me regretted keeping her flip flops on when she left Florida that morning) but my husband was waiting in a warm car and off we went to a social event before heading home. As we pulled into the driveway I had visions of standing in a parking lot at Pearson – still digging my car out. The next week as I drove to the office, I passed a billboard for YKF and non-stop flights to Chicago. I think they need to add a palm tree to the sign. Yes, I was in Chicago but the final destination was so much better – and a tad warmer. So many options and in many ways worth the extra layover time … just enjoy the popcorn, make your connection and think about how quickly you will get home when you return to Waterloo Region.