It's over. Six days in Disney and we successfully navigated the process to checkout and made it to the airport.
We are on board AirTran flight 467 to Baltimore cruising somewhere over the Carolinas. Jax is asleep in Chis' arms and E is chillin' with his Dad in the row in front of me.
I got tired of playing poker on my blackberry so I thought I'd jot a couple more notes.
The time flew by. Incredibly it went by fast.
We hear the temp at home is 19 degrees. And to think yesterday I was laying in the sun soaking up rays by the pool for an afternoon nap. And it was awesome. Why can't I move to Key West?
I noticed something at the airport today. Mass confusion. Traveling with small children and gwtting through security and onto an airplane is no trivial event.
Think about people who do not fly all the time trying to navigate security. Yeah, I saw some today who didn't even know they needed to have their ID out to begin the process. Talk about overload. And there aren't a lot of signs to help.
And it seems people need to attend a class and get certifien in getting on board an airplane. They stand in the aisle for minutes trying to get their bags up or figure out who is sitting where. Plan a bit. Get out of the way. Same on the way out.
But we are beginning our descent back to the real world.
I guess the magic is gone or maybe itis still there and we just can't see it around us.
But the magic is still there. We carry it in our hearts to pick us up one those dark, cold winter days and remind us of places we've been and fun we've had.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Disney - The Saga Continues
Well I left our intrepid travelers feasting on a luau on Wednesday night.
Thursday and Friday turned into classic Disney adventures. We covered parts of three parks during these days and there was always another ride to ride or another attraction to do.
The highlights? Expedition Everest a way cool roller coaster in the Animal Kingdom. It is the first coaster I have ridden which changed direction from forward to backward and then back to forward.
Another highlight? The excitement in Ethan's voice as he was explaining the ride Soarin to chris before she was about to get on. He had just ridden it and was stoked about doing it again. The ride is at Epcot. And it is truly an inspiring experience.
A low light? How fat Americans are becoming. But I'm planning a special rant blog about that soon. But I will tell you it really hits home that we are becoming a culture of incredibly obese people.
Rating the Polynesian Resort. Great location adjacent to the ticket and transportation center. We generally waked there than picking up the monorail at the resort.
A must do? The meal plan. Definitely worth it. But people who like to plan their lives out in advance will do better than we did. Reservations are almost impossible to get same day or even same week.
Most magical moment. Watching Chris on Main Street USA at night with snow falling as part of Mickey's Magical Christmas Party. Oh yes. And Silver Bells playing on the speakers.
Second most magical. The look in Ethan's eyes when Wendy kissed him.
There is a lot more and I have some cool pictures to add when we get home.
See ya soon
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Thursday and Friday turned into classic Disney adventures. We covered parts of three parks during these days and there was always another ride to ride or another attraction to do.
The highlights? Expedition Everest a way cool roller coaster in the Animal Kingdom. It is the first coaster I have ridden which changed direction from forward to backward and then back to forward.
Another highlight? The excitement in Ethan's voice as he was explaining the ride Soarin to chris before she was about to get on. He had just ridden it and was stoked about doing it again. The ride is at Epcot. And it is truly an inspiring experience.
A low light? How fat Americans are becoming. But I'm planning a special rant blog about that soon. But I will tell you it really hits home that we are becoming a culture of incredibly obese people.
Rating the Polynesian Resort. Great location adjacent to the ticket and transportation center. We generally waked there than picking up the monorail at the resort.
A must do? The meal plan. Definitely worth it. But people who like to plan their lives out in advance will do better than we did. Reservations are almost impossible to get same day or even same week.
Most magical moment. Watching Chris on Main Street USA at night with snow falling as part of Mickey's Magical Christmas Party. Oh yes. And Silver Bells playing on the speakers.
Second most magical. The look in Ethan's eyes when Wendy kissed him.
There is a lot more and I have some cool pictures to add when we get home.
See ya soon
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Luau Disney Style
Nicole and Mike treated us to a luau on Wednesday night. It was a lot of fun and the weather was perfect.
The food was endless and tasty and believe it or not beer and wine was included
The service was prompt and the entertainment was enjoyable and good.
Having been to luaus in Hawaii I actually had something to compare it to. This one is enjoyable if a bit Disney-fied. The entertainment had a story to go with it which the kids could relate to. But the dancing was first rate. And seemed authentic.
It was great fun.
Thanks Nicole and Mike
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Disney Day 3 - Sea World
What a great day with the exception of the transportation from and to Sea World.
It was a cold morning with frost on the grass. But once it warmed it was fabulous. Sea World is a must visit. The pace is slower than Disney and the exhibits are devoted to the planet and our relationship with the sea.
The Shark aquarium is a definite place to visit. I wish I could dive it someday.
One of the highlights was feeding the dolphins and the underwater viewing. I had never seen dolphins playing with bubble rings before. Much like smoke rings they blow them and play with them. I have pictures.
Chris, Nicole, Ethan, and Mike actually fed and got to touch dolphins. It was way cool.
The shows were awesome too. Shamu did not disappoint. A seal show was really fun to watch.
The arctic display was one of the best. In a recreation of the top of the earth the aurora borealis was used to highlight the beluga whales.
This place is a must visit.
More on the end of day luau later.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
It was a cold morning with frost on the grass. But once it warmed it was fabulous. Sea World is a must visit. The pace is slower than Disney and the exhibits are devoted to the planet and our relationship with the sea.
The Shark aquarium is a definite place to visit. I wish I could dive it someday.
One of the highlights was feeding the dolphins and the underwater viewing. I had never seen dolphins playing with bubble rings before. Much like smoke rings they blow them and play with them. I have pictures.
Chris, Nicole, Ethan, and Mike actually fed and got to touch dolphins. It was way cool.
The shows were awesome too. Shamu did not disappoint. A seal show was really fun to watch.
The arctic display was one of the best. In a recreation of the top of the earth the aurora borealis was used to highlight the beluga whales.
This place is a must visit.
More on the end of day luau later.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Disney on Wednesday
Ok. It is cold. They had snow on main street USA last night for the special Mickey Christmas. Of course they were making it.
But it was cold enough for frost here last night. And I'm standing in front of Sea World waiting for it to open. At least the sun on my back is warm. My fingers are numb though.
Sea World opens in 25 minutes. We got here a bit early.
Disney is still Disney.
Kids are still kids.
The lines are long. But there sure are a lot of smiles
Peter Pan's Flight is E's favorite. We have done it four times.
The Christmas lights on the castle are fabulous. I'll add pictures when I can. Internet is $10 per day and who is spending time in the room surfing.
Another day of fun is about to begin.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Monday, December 1, 2008
Disney - The Flight
So there we were, trapped in a 737 at 35,000 feet with two energetic children. The three grandparents strategically seated behind the family. Well except for Jax who was in our lap.
Who knew a two hour flight could be like Gilligan's three-hour tour.
Jax managed to exhaust everyone before slipping into semi-slumber. Ethan sacked out for a bit. I tried to listen to my Ipod, but the interruptions were continuous.
A cell phone was lost and after an exhaustive search, which included the restrooms, was found under the seat where the owner was sitting.
The sun was shining at altitude. And it promises to be a great day.
U-huh
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Disney - The Flight
So there we were, trapped in a 737 at 35,000 feet with two energetic children. The three grandparents strategically seated behind the family. Well except for Jax who was in our lap.
Who knew a two hour flight could be like Gilligan's three-hour tour.
Jax managed to exhaust everyone before slipping into semi-slumber. Ethan sacked out for a bit. I tried to listen to my Ipod, but the interruptions were continuous.
A cell phone was lost and after an exhaustive search, which included the restrooms, was found under the seat where the owner was sitting.
The sun was shining at altitude. And it promises to be a great day.
U-huh
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Disney Adventure
Ok. And so it begins. We have successfully met up at the airport. A huge party of 5 adults and a 3 year old and a 9 month old.
Coming from three different starting points that was no small task.
But we have cleared security and are on the plane preparing for takeoff to Orlando.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Authenticity--Team Leaders
I read an interesting article on authenticity as it relates to leaders and leadership this week. It really got me thinking. The article by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones is Managing Authenticity: The Paradox of Great Leadership.
I've met a lot of leaders in my life and had the opportunity to work for some truly great leaders with whom I really connected. I had never really though about why we connected before, or why I really knew these leaders cared about me as part of their organization.
On the other hand, I have also had the opportunity to be part of organizations where it was clear the leaders didn't have it together and for whom I had no illusions that they were great leaders. They were just doing the job--and not that well.
It dawns on me that I was assessing the authenticity of their leadership.
What is authentic leadership?
Well, the Center for Authentic Leadership describes it as follows:
"The measure of a man or woman is more than the sum of one’s words or deeds. It is the impact of who we are being as we speak and act that leaves the greatest imprint on others."
Goffee and Jones stated it as simply as the following: "First, you have to ensure that your words are consistent with your deeds; otherwise, followers will not accept you as authentic."
You've probably been in the presence of leaders which make your "skin crawl" because you know that although they appear to be your best friend, you are convinced they really don't care about you and are out for whatever they can get out of you to advance their personal issues. They have a problem with authenticity. I call it something more obvious--they are flat out disingenuous.
Team leaders need authenticity. They need to be comfortable with themselves and also not be afraid to be vulnerable. Who they are deep in their very souls needs to be congruent with who they are as a leader. This does not mean leaders can't play different roles--we are all called to different roles as situations require--but the way the roles are performed needs a sense of consistency that can only come from internal congruence.
Great leaders are not poor leaders trying to be great. They are not insecure people acting out their part--they are congruent in all aspects of their life and they are comfortable with themselves and the role they are called to serve in.
Goffee and Jones kinda summed it up: "Authentic leaders remain focused on where they are going but never lose sight of where they came from."
I've met a lot of leaders in my life and had the opportunity to work for some truly great leaders with whom I really connected. I had never really though about why we connected before, or why I really knew these leaders cared about me as part of their organization.
On the other hand, I have also had the opportunity to be part of organizations where it was clear the leaders didn't have it together and for whom I had no illusions that they were great leaders. They were just doing the job--and not that well.
It dawns on me that I was assessing the authenticity of their leadership.
What is authentic leadership?
Well, the Center for Authentic Leadership describes it as follows:
"The measure of a man or woman is more than the sum of one’s words or deeds. It is the impact of who we are being as we speak and act that leaves the greatest imprint on others."
Goffee and Jones stated it as simply as the following: "First, you have to ensure that your words are consistent with your deeds; otherwise, followers will not accept you as authentic."
You've probably been in the presence of leaders which make your "skin crawl" because you know that although they appear to be your best friend, you are convinced they really don't care about you and are out for whatever they can get out of you to advance their personal issues. They have a problem with authenticity. I call it something more obvious--they are flat out disingenuous.
Team leaders need authenticity. They need to be comfortable with themselves and also not be afraid to be vulnerable. Who they are deep in their very souls needs to be congruent with who they are as a leader. This does not mean leaders can't play different roles--we are all called to different roles as situations require--but the way the roles are performed needs a sense of consistency that can only come from internal congruence.
Great leaders are not poor leaders trying to be great. They are not insecure people acting out their part--they are congruent in all aspects of their life and they are comfortable with themselves and the role they are called to serve in.
Goffee and Jones kinda summed it up: "Authentic leaders remain focused on where they are going but never lose sight of where they came from."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Holiday Frenzy
Ready. Set. Start your holiday engines!
Yeah--Thanksgiving is here--with three NFL football games, turkey, food, family, and friends. And following that is a glorious week in the "real" south visiting the magical land of Mickey! At least it's still warm there.
My prayer for the season is that we would appreciate all of the blessings that God has given us and not become fixated on what we could or should have. Our glass is truly full and it is usually overflowing with blessings. This season, may we share these blessings with those around us. Share our laughter, our love, our time, our possessions as they are needed, and our hope in the future. And that hope is?
Hey--and while you are at it don't forget--Jesus is the reason for the season. Don't be afraid to say: Merry Christmas, God loves you, too!
Yeah--Thanksgiving is here--with three NFL football games, turkey, food, family, and friends. And following that is a glorious week in the "real" south visiting the magical land of Mickey! At least it's still warm there.And then back for the final two-and-a-half week push to Christmas!!!
And even here in beautiful, almost warm, Howard County, Maryland, there has been a small success--the Columbia Mall reinstated the annual poinsettia tree which they dispensed with last year. It is back by popular demand to brighten our holiday moods. And with the economy tanking--all help is needed to brighten our moods.
By the time January comes we are going to be really ready for a mid-Winter rest. But it is all good. And we have so much to be thankful for--especially the opportunity to travel and to be with family and friends.
My prayer for the season is that we would appreciate all of the blessings that God has given us and not become fixated on what we could or should have. Our glass is truly full and it is usually overflowing with blessings. This season, may we share these blessings with those around us. Share our laughter, our love, our time, our possessions as they are needed, and our hope in the future. And that hope is? Hey--and while you are at it don't forget--Jesus is the reason for the season. Don't be afraid to say: Merry Christmas, God loves you, too!
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