Berries

September is one of my favorite months of the years.  Cooler nights allow one to work out in the yard, bugs are gone, and the falling leaves open the landscape through the bush, allowing me to see a lot further down the trail and go about enjoying Gods great creations.  As I walk and enjoy the landscape I make a point of spotting and stopping at the last few berry bushes before they are gone for the year.

Throughout the year I was blessed with a bounty of various berries not seen in such full fruit for many years.  The rains and hot days yielded a harvest of raspberries throughout most of the summer, Always a treat when working out in the yard.  I would walk behind the garage and disappear for an extended time while filling up on fruit from the wild bushes along the fence.

Wild Strawberries filled the South pasture with large plump fruit that pucker the cheeks, but added such rich tastes to my cereal in the morning.  My nieces came out and fought off the summer bugs to fill themselves up with berries and watch frogs in the pond. Tiny in size but full of flavor! (the berries)
Saskatoon berries, heavy on the branches were easy picking into fall, and when the Raspberries started drying up, I simply went further down the yard and stretched up to the high branches heavy with the big fruit and picked and ate these berries to ward off hunger once more.

Vivian got her buckets of low-bush blue berries west of the beaver dam, and together we pulled enough pin-cherries to make jellies for all the relatives.  I found many of the hazelnut bushes along the paths that I walk, but the squirrels had beaten me to most of the seeds.  Chokecherries, and crab-apples filled in for any other taste sensations I might be missing.

With a rainbow of colors and flavors, wild from the earth I had to stop and give thanks for such a fruitful and flavorful year.  Although I am sorry to see the season pass, I know I will appreciate this all the more because I enjoyed it while it was here.

Now go out and MAKE it a great day.
Appreciate the flavors you tasted today
Give thanks for variety, and savor their return

Blaine

Visite à mon fils française

When my son Dustin moved out to Montreal in 2008, we understood this was going to be a life shifting decision.  His prior years of schooling in Calgary establish a certain amount of separation from home.  We could easily drive out to help him move, or send him on a bus home for weekends and holidays.  Now that he was 3,600 km away routine visits would become more difficult.

In October of 2009, Vivian and I went on a three day ‘whirlwind’ trip to visit Dustin in his new home.  His girlfriend Pascale and he shared a place across the road of University of Montreal, and together with her parents we spent 3 fast days checking out the area, going out to her home in Grandby, and visiting Quebec City.  It was a fast paced visit, and we promised to return one summer and spend a little more time together.

This month we upheld that promise to return, and we set aside 6 days for visiting and site seeing.  Dustin planned a full itinerary of activities that would include many of his favorite stops and activities.  From taking us cycling through the streets of Mont-Royal, to picking up wood fired bagels, and feasting at la resto Banquise, his favorite 24 hour poutine stop.  We spend time watching jugglers and musicians in Parc du Mont-Royal in what is a festive gathering of self induced dance, drumbeats and laughter that put my son at home with his community.  We toured his school campuses of McGill and Concordia, for which he spends such a significant part of his days, and took in many of the local wines and cheese that makes up Quebec culture.

The three days we spent touring Ottawa and camping at Gatineau Park was a time to share new experiences together and enjoy the warm (Misquote free) weather.  We loaded Dustin up with a few new camping tools to accommodate our two nights in the bush, saved on hotel costs, and I got to chuckle at the excitement that Raccoons can bring to a campsite of young girls that leave food scattered about!   A tour around Ottawa and the Canadian War Museum, raised my awareness of Canadian culture. Seeing the history of our solders, touring the Parliament buildings, walking along the Rideau canal, and observing the changing of the guard at the war memorial touched my heart and opened my understanding of the nation's capital.

We made a quick visit through Grandby and shared a wonderful fondue dinner with Pascale's parents. The time went quickly and I cherished every moment together.  I thank Dustin and Pascale for being such wonderful hosts on our visit. I look forward to returning again soon and will always remain attentive to keep my French son close in my Alberta heart

Now go out and make it a great day,
Make time for things that matter,
And build memories with those you love

Blaine

The Persistent Postie

There are times in your life when plans made, and journeys dreamt, suddenly fall apart due to an 'unfortunate series of events', and you can only sum up the disappointment of failure as a weird twist of luck, that is to be a humbly accepted fate, And then there are times when this is just not so.

When my son Cody arrived home earlier in the month, his next journey to Belize was a distant thought that wasn’t to be dwelled upon until mid point of his summer break. The trip to see his mother was to be such an easy to handle event that it wasn’t until we readied ourselves at 4:00 AM for the journey to the airport that he came to realize the location of his passport. It was safe and secure, tucked nicely away - in an envelope - in his sock drawer - in his apartment - on the military base, - 1200 km away.

Cody accepted that the burden of this failed trip fell firmly on his shoulders, and the journey south would have to wait for another time. What he did not immediately know is that a surprise visit from his brother was also waiting for him on this trip.

With a little discussion and weighing of our options we quickly came up with several reasons to let this trip fail and give in as ‘what might have been…’

I am not the type of person to let go of a plan easily, and many heated debates have been sparked in the family from my undying drive to find alternative ways to get things done or create a workaround to reach your goal. I have been accused of not knowing when to quit, or accepting my fate. It is at times like these I catch myself pushing my own values on my kids, and with inner frustration I excused myself and left for work.

My wife Vivian knew of the planned reunion and others to be affected and so she had a quiet ‘talk’ with Cody, when she introduced the bonus of the surprise visit, and his brother called to challenge his resourcefulness on how to get a passport out of a locked room on a military base, the full efforts of creativity and resourcefulness of contacting connections went into effect. By the time I called home at noon, the ‘Discover & Recovery’ plan was in full effect.

I’ll skip the details on what happened over the next few hours, but what is important is that his passport was soon flagged as in transit from its distant home, and my son was busy rescheduling his flight for his family gathering.

The term ‘Next Day Delivery’ holds different meaning, depending on location of origin and location to be received. When shipping and receiving from non-major centers, a few extra days must be added. At 4PM on Wednesday we found ourselves at the end of Canada Posts delivery day, and with less that 12 hours before we were to again be heading off to the airport.
If a lesson is to be learned here, its that one shouldn’t book an international flight without passport in-hand!

Vivian made several calls to the local post office, and through my prodding and pushing with my, ‘never say never’ attitude she made several contacts to Canada Post offices in Edmonton, and Toronto. Although our local office closes at 5:00 PM the distribution center was open busily sorting the next days deliveries. A woman named Waceke in Toronto narrowed the search, and connected her with a Mr Peter D in Edmonton. After explaining our predicament in detail, and understanding that a 9AM delivery would STILL be too late, Mr. Dickson went beyond what is required in his regular line of duty and gave the extra effort to locate our package.

By 8:00 PM Mr. Dickson had searched 18,000 packages, and he knew he had little time left in which to offer us any hope of receiving our precious package this evening. At package number 18,001, and shortly after 8:00 Vivian received a call confirming the package had been located, and how it might be picked up. With little time to spare Cody retrieved his passport, and finally relaxed knowing his trip was confirmed to continue.

This trip could have become an unfortunate event, that spoiled a summer surprise, but instead became a joyful reunion between two brothers. Perseverance of Cody and his covert connection, Vivian's focused tracking and checking, and of course the dedicated employees at Canada Post help turn an ‘unfortunate series of events’ into a successful re bonding of brothers on a little island in the Caribbean.


Now go out and make it a great day.
Persist where others concede, and glow in the outcome of your efforts

Blaine

Graduation

Its been a long journey, these past three years of study to obtain a Masters degree in Business Administration. (MBA.)  What started with fear and uncertainty in going back to school, soon became a part of my regular routine and helped shape a better understanding of myself, my professional achievements and skills, and an awareness of how I fit in among my peers

I’m a fairly modest man in that I don’t generally bring up my achievement to others. I recognize the gifts that individuals bring forward regardless of there professional designation and so I would rather ‘skip over’ this item rather that bring focus to it. 

I am also humbled by those who do not hold a designation, but hold a wealth of knowledge and skill obtained from pure grit and perseverance.  Without a few letters behind your name, you can look a somebody, and not really realize how far they have traveled, how many languages they speak, or what there soul holds for helping humanity.

My own father left school at a very young age to help out on the farm, so formal education was missing.  Dad could quickly calculate seed requirements, weld a strong bead on broken machinery, and demonstrate fine arts in the stories he shared with the family.  I am proud of the diverse skills that I acquired form all those who have touched my life.  For dad showing me how to survive in the wild, and mom to share compassion with the world.

So although I am cautious with the weighting on formal education, I do not minimize the effort that goes into obtaining one.  I stood closely by my fiance and wife Vivian’s side as she obtained her teaching degree after 40.  University study’s, part time work, getting married and raising a family while obtaining her degree are all reasons to be proud of her. I take pride in my children as they cram for exams, and revel in there own university acceptance.

This month I am celebrating my own achievement in obtaining a masters degree.  Others remind me of my efforts and tell me to celebrate these achievements.   Relatives send well wishes, and my school peers reminisce on the challenges we have overcome. Yes, I am proud, and others can apply a title to my learning, but I am also reminded that this is only a part of who Blaine is.

Now go out and make it a great day,
Love what you learn, but more importantly
Learn what you love!

Blaine

Serving

The joy of serving

A couple of interesting activities take place in April if you are a member of the Dawnbreakers Toastmaster club in Edmonton.

The first is the International Speech Competition to which all members have the opportunity to demonstrate our annual efforts of subdued Um, s and Ah’s, memorized speeches and improved body posture.  A chance to demonstrate the adjustments made with feedback from our peers and the personal improvements made while in Toastmasters.

With this first activity we not only take a personal challenge of our skills, but we also represent the entire group as the finalists move up to the next level.  Although I did not move past the regional level of the speech competition, my experience gained from competing in a formal competition raised my awareness on what is looked for and more important how to improve on my skills for the future.  By joining the competition, I let the entire Toastmasters community know that Dawnbreaker club members are willing to put in an effort and do not shy away from a challenge.


The second activity is the annual drive for new members and the preliminary planning for, and enticement of new executive members that will fill the roles required to keep our club operational.  The privilege of serving on the executive team comes from permission granted by your peers to guide the club based on common goals and values.  With this activity we have an opportunity to serve others and grow as individuals by sharing our efforts for the betterment of our community all while being backed with a network of educational tools, training events, and opportunities to network with others.

I signed on as Vice President of Membership not because I take exceeding joy in recruitment of new members, or that I have a plethora of friends and neighbors to recruit from, rather I realize that all members have a duties to participate in the club and serve there fellow members at some time as being an active participant in that community of your choosing. 

I have had the opportunity to participate in both activities while in my second year with the club.  I could have chosen to be a free-rider and allowed others to pick up the work, or gone to extreme and burnt myself out by creating unrealistic expectations that may have created animosity to the group.  Like wise I could have bypassed joining in on the competition letting ‘somebody else’ represent the club

 I have chosen to participate in balance, and serve my club at a level and effort that adds value all parties involved.  By serving my club in the speech competition, I have improved my own skills and gained experience.  By serving as VP or membership I have assumed a role that give focus for the group.

What I really glean from my experience in serving my club is that the little extra efforts reaps benefits far beyond what is immediately measured.  I have made friends and contacts, developed new skills, and demonstrated responsibly towards my community.

May we all have the opportunity to experience the joy of serving, in an enlightening and positive way,

Now go out and make it a great day.
Serve others, and reap the rewards of your efforts.

Blaine

The cooperative colleague

Starting any new venture such as moving, starting a new project, or entering into a new job can be filled with unknowns and uncertainties.  Simple tasks such as searching for forms, or knowing who to contact for information can significantly effect your ability to be effective in whatever you are trying to get accomplished or shift your mood for the day.  The initial learning curve when starting something new can be very steep depending on what processes are in place to accelerate learning and what the culture of the group is regarding maintaining uniformity and conformance among activities of the group.

I recently began work with a new organization, and it didn’t take long before I discovered how little I understood about the company culture, what the lines of authority are, and how to actually get tasks completed. Several individuals grinned with understanding of my struggles but did not provide any guidance from their own experience. Like an initiation ritual taking place, I was quietly being urged on to take up the challenge for tools, order, and process that those before me have already battled. If I was successful in surviving the early, unorganized days, as those before me had, I will have gone through a rites of passage and would allow me to become one of the team. I was becoming agitated from my lack of learning my duties, and proving value for the company in a more efficient manner.  In all my questioning and searching, one man provided a sense of stability.

Chris is one of my new work colleagues who holds a unique position in understanding the benefits of process and accelerated learning, yet his attitude has not yet been beaten down by the same challenges that the rest of the group experiences.  Chris is a level headed individual that sees the big picture on effective interaction between our role to organize, the clients needs, and company tools that help us to get things done. Rather than simply acknowledge my struggles, as his own from the past and has gone above and beyond to show me ways to increase my learning, navigate the organization, and has been the best source information and readiness on this new venture.

I am certain that his time spent with me slows down his workday, while stopping to answer my questions and explain how to best get things done within the system, At times he even risks his own productivity while he takes time to include me in activities that will benefit me in understanding the activities of the job, and how to adopt to the companies methods quickly.  Rather that sit back and allow me to struggle through a tedious self-learning process, he stepped up to help out, and make my transition much easier.

I take my hat off to this cooperative colleague who is going beyond his requirements to help me out.  His extra efforts and time may go unnoticed by the rest of the company, but I am one individual who appreciate and acknowledge the help he is providing.

Thank you Chris. 

Now go out and make it a great day, 
help a friend, thank a colleague, and learn something new.


Blaine.

Leader of the pack

My new pup ‘Touque’ has been responding to basic training fairly well these first few months in our home.  I have been collecting wisdom about handling dogs from various sources, and find myself picking up ideas on what will work best from different people I talk to.

“Hand feeding helps to bond with your dog” – says once source.

“Never punish a dog if you did not catch him in the moment” says another,

“down-stay”, is the best way to subdue your K-9, or is it ‘WAIT’? Or “OFF”,

When its sleep time should I use “Crate”, “bed”, or “go lie down”

With everybody offering their own advice on how to best train a dog, and often with differing opinions it’s no wonder I’m confused.

In the simple effort to train little Touque to retrieve a thrown ball, I picked up ‘Dogs for Dummies’ at the local bookstore followed by the ‘4-H dog guide’ at the library.  While I was there I grabbed the audio book ‘Be the pack leader’ and a video by some dude on dog psychology.

I quickly became bored with the details on preparing a bed for your puppy, and how to brush Fido as so colorfully presented in the dog owner manuals.  I had however quickly become intrigued with this audio book from a Mexican farm boy who really developed a skill on how to bond and blend with a pack of dogs, and act as their leader.

Cesar Millan also is the host of the DVD I picked up on dog psychology and a man I quickly came to admire for his distinction between man and beast.  Although I cannot reflect all his teachings here, I can highlight that he emphasizes how many problems between people and animals happen when we lose touch with nature, when we forget the natural order of animal interactions, and when we let our nervous energy speak for us.  By keeping a calm and confident force within yourself, the animals around you are put at ease with your sense of control.

Thinking back to how I have handled horses or alpacas in the past, my interaction has always improved when I did not get tense or scared, but rather felt in control through a kind and caring manner.  Millan works with people and dogs to establish the rules for engagement, and enforce a hierarchy of control.  Once the pack understands that there is order and control, relationships prosper not just within dog and owner, but among all those they cross paths with.

It seems to me that many individuals in our society, at work, school, or sports field could benefit from these teachings.  A calm, yet assertive leadership for a kennel or a community or a country would  be beneficial to all those involved.

So after my readings and television viewing, Touque still doesn’t bring me a ball, but she does trust me to lead her on our walks, and provide food and shelter.  I respect her need for a strong pack leader, and hope to always keep a strong bond.

Now go out and make it a great day,

Walk your dog if you have one, Speak with your energy, and always talk in a leadership style.

Blaine

(Zuk B. 2011)

My absence from the blog pages, can be easily attributed to my preoccupation with another typing project. One of the more difficult typing projects of my life, (so far)..

As I slowly and methodically ticked off all the formal courses in my MBA program, the last one should have been a quick rush to the finish line.  After all five months to make up a story on a topic that interests you seems like plenty of time.

Having never written a research project, I quickly became frustrated in phase one. ‘Refine the proposal.’  I’m a creative writer, and tend not to think to hard about what will be going into the next line until I get there.

(  not sure what to put in this line * NOTE to self * get back to this line to complete... )

I have immersed myself in a plethora of business books that  teach efficiencies and motivation, how to advance ones career, and 10 habits that everyone should have.  I kept further refining  the proposed project for my professor, by narrowing the subject matter for a little more each e-mail.
Motivation -->  non-monitory motivation -->  only remote employees…Aah OK that will work
And so I was on a venture to gather all the data  I could gather on how to motivate an employee you never see, and comment on how to do so without financial incentives.

Rather than review the 67 page paper at this time I’ll summarize it simply by stating;  hire good people who love their job, and be a good boss by communicating regularly with whatever technology the employee uses to perform their work.

So why did these last few weeks pain me so? - References!
All these great business books, and journal articles, reference the work of a prior author,  and an author before that, a past research study, or a dead psychologist.  Knowing when to reference the last book you read or the original source became a challenge of enormous proportions.  Along the way I would get side tracked by new research studies, interesting articles and new knowledge that would suck me from the task at hand.  At one point I found myself referencing papers from the 17th century (Lock,J. 1689) but stopped short reaching for the Bible ..”In the Beginning…”(Moses, Gen1:1).

I’m pleased to report that I have completed this paper and completed my formal MBA training.  My reading has expanded to include all those non-business books and dog training manuals. I still find myself getting sidetracked on interesting journal articles, and digging for the root of the information source, but this was probably the intention behind this project.

I believe this exercise in research will build on my ability to gather information, and dig to the truth on a topic.  This in turn will allow me to share with you more of:
“Things that I’ve learned”

Go out and Make it a great day,
Love what you read, and always get to the source of your information.

Blaine

a promise to boast about Budget

After my great experience with Budget rent-a-car over the holidays, and the available snow tires.  I was pleasantly surprised when one of the staff members went the extra distance to help us locate a missing pair of prescription sunglasses that were left in the vehicle.

Although I never met Shauna, I thanked her by dropping off  a big thank you card, a box of chocolates and the following letter to the Human resource department and Client relations department.  I close the letter by promising to boast to my friends about this wonderful experience.

This weeks blog simply presents that letter.  I do hope Shauna gets the recognition she deserves!

 *************************************************************************

Blaine Zuk

  Tofield AB,  T0B 4J0              email       780 662-xxxx    ·    cell 780-xxx-xxxx

January 12, 2011

Budget Rent-a-Car

Administrative Office

4612 -95 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

Attention Client Relations

I am writing to inform you of two great customer experiences from your Sherwood Park location

On the weekend of December 30, 2010 I reserved a minivan online for a weekend ski getaway to the mountains.  Not being completely convinced of my reservation status as a first time user of the web service, I followed up the next day with you toll free number.  The gentleman confirmed my reservation, and brought to my attention the availability of winter tires.  I was pleasantly surprise at this option and requested this option if available.

The vehicle was ready on time as promised, clean and with the winter tires requested. I felt an extra sense of security knowing I had a good grip on the road and was thankful of my decision while driving an icy Highway 2 back home.

A few days after returning the rental, we realized that an expensive pair of prescription sunglasses was left under the passenger seat, and missed during our cleaning.  Initial calls back to the Sherwood Park location revealed no lost goods. But the lady on the phone promised to look into the matter.  The Van had already been rented to another customer, and was returned at a different location.  I am happy to say that this morning that same lady named Shawna called back to report that she had located our glasses, and I could pick them up at her location.

I truly appreciate the effort made by Shauna, and all the staff at Budget Rent-a-car in Sherwood Park that provided excellent service, and follow up after the sale.  I do hope you recognize her efforts, as this will be one situation that I will proudly boast to friends about!

Regards,

Blaine and Vivian Zuk

Tofield, Alberta

Cc.

Budget – Sherwood Park

Human resources

Get a grip

While planning for a ski trips to the mountains this past weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Budget rent a car  now offers snow tires as an optional upgrade when available.  Not having winter tires when traveling through the mountains has always been a concern of mine, and a reason to resist renting.

Rather than drive two small cars to Banff, I loaded Vivian and all the boys into a minivan, paid the extra $30 to have new winter tires on our ride, and off we went.  I felt an extra sense of security with the grip while winding up the snowy road to Sunshine Village, but it was on the trip home that I was most appreciative.

I spotted at least a dozen cars in the ditch just north of Calgary, But only really started counting cars after I had seen one car wrapped around a pole near Red Deer, and a couple of flip over’s soon after.  At one point before Leduc we were averaging one car in the ditch every kilometer or so. I figure we must have passed about 30 within the few hours on the road.  I always slowed with caution to see if assistance was required, but many vehicles were long abandoned, or already assisted with emergency personnel.

Even with my new winter tires, and heavy load on the road, I could feel the slush and slop, and always ensured I had good distance between the car in front of me. 

I have had my experienced a rollover in my own 57 Beetle when cresting a slushy side road one spring.  It was a soft role in powdery snow, and aside from wishing I tied the battery in a little better I came out OK.  I discovered the chaos that comes with an upside-down vehicle and understand the confusion that follows.

When my Accord slid into a frozen Hastings lake after taking an icy corner a little too quickly, I was thankful that my son and I had good boots and mitts for the long walk home in -25deg weather.

 I have recovered from my share of fishtailing pickups, and 360 degree loops de loops while overshooting an intersection, and have spent many hours digging and winching vehicles from the snow through poor judgment and youthful exuberance.

I am in no position to judge another driver, yet wise enough to have learned from my experiences

I have learned to be prepared in winter.  I took time before our ski trip to load the rental van with tow ropes, shovel, traction plates, and booster cables.  I have learned to keep winter gear on, or nearby when the temperature drops, and carry the equipment needed to get you out of trouble.

The same day I returned the rental, a pickup truck I was following, got into a fishtail swerve situation and lost control, although the driver tried to gently put it in the ditch, it ended flipping sideways on impact, breaking glass, and tossing goods all over the place, fortunately it ended up back on its wheels.

I stopped to offer first aid, and found that all occupants were safely buckled in and wearing winter coats.  The infant in the back was still securely strapped in a car seat and every body seemed to be OK.  I stuck around the half hour or so to calm the occupants, assist in gathering their goods, and helped get the infant up the police cruiser.

I learned that although I stopped to check for injuries and assist this family that was still 300km away from Provost, nobody else on the highway bothered to venture through the snow to check if help was needed.  One man stood on the edge of the road and peered down with inquiry, while another yelled from her car window, so I should hope I had help if it was called for.

I have learned that we should do all we can to best prepare ourselves for the unexpected  in these icy winter conditions,  Use winter tires when possible, Carry warm clothes and emergency gear, and by all means stop to help one another when required to do so.

Go out and make it a great day,

Be prepared, and always be willing to help others,

Blaine