Life is so precious. Stephen's freak accident still haunts us. The recovery is going slow, and we still are processing the event itself as well as our future together. The month of October will be devoted to aggressive hand therapy. The doctor says the movement we get in the next 3-4 weeks will likely be all that we can expect. That being the case, we are dropped other commitments to focus on his FULL recovery.
Just when I start feeling sorry for us, I bump into someone with no arms. Instantly, our challenges look small. Stephen is quick to add that surviving the accident was the best gift of all. Whatever lies ahead we promise to handle well. Learning to live with chronic pain shows Stephen's commitment to live life fully.
Today is a sunny, warm day in Destin. I leave shortly for a consulting assignment in another city. Every minute I have with Stephen is a gift. Spending time with loved ones brings priceless joy in all of our lives. Enjoy the day with someone special!
Joan
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Portfolio Careers
We have been reading about portfolio careers for the past decade or so. Although they sounded interesting, we didn't believe we would be living one. Last week, every day was devoted to a different focus. Monday, I played (it was Labor Day). On Tuesday, I stayed busy consulting on a CEO succession project. Wednesday was focused on the Destin Charity Wine Auction foundation's fundraising efforts. Thursday was a combination of work with our New York PR firm (T.J. Sacks & Associates--they're great), and an interview with Market Watch (Wallstreet Journal on-line). Friday was an abbreviated work day due to a long doctors appointment. I was still able to get some consulting time in.
In reality, most days don't have such a singular focus. We weave in and out of meetings, calls, work and play. Most often, we control the schedule. On rainy days, we spend more office time than sunny ones. Having choices is wonderful after 30 years of rigid scheduling with long hours. We are able to pick and choose work that provides the most meaning. That work is always balanced with an adequate amount of 'play.' In fact, we leave tomorrow for Napa/Sonoma ... wish you were all coming with us!
Joan
In reality, most days don't have such a singular focus. We weave in and out of meetings, calls, work and play. Most often, we control the schedule. On rainy days, we spend more office time than sunny ones. Having choices is wonderful after 30 years of rigid scheduling with long hours. We are able to pick and choose work that provides the most meaning. That work is always balanced with an adequate amount of 'play.' In fact, we leave tomorrow for Napa/Sonoma ... wish you were all coming with us!
Joan
Friday, August 22, 2008
Celebrating Life!
On Tuesday, we were scheduled to head for the airport at 10:00 am for 10 days in Paris and the French Alps. Stephen was cleaning up the last things around our condo. He went out on our balcony to clean up a ceramic pot that was partially broken during a recent storm. As he lifted the remaining piece, it broke into a million pieces in his hands. One sharp fragment hit his wrist resulting in a severe laceration. Stephen takes coumadin so is a bleeder. He yelled for me to call 911.
Fast forward ... Stephen underwent emergency surgery where they successfully reattached five tendons, repaired the radial artery (was completed severed), and sewed the outer sheath of the medial nerve together. The shard had cut 1/2 to 2/3rds of the way through the nerve. The doctors believe he lost about 30% of his body's blood during the 4 hours from the accident until surgery. After 2.5 days in the hospital, we returned home yesterday. Yes, home sweet home.
Last night, we toasted life. Stephen believes that God wasn't quite ready for him yet (yes, he thought he was not going to make it). We are awaiting to find out what he has in store for our future. Celebrate each day. We never know when it will be our last.
I love this man more than life itself. I promise to demonstrate that love each remaining day we have together!
Joan
Fast forward ... Stephen underwent emergency surgery where they successfully reattached five tendons, repaired the radial artery (was completed severed), and sewed the outer sheath of the medial nerve together. The shard had cut 1/2 to 2/3rds of the way through the nerve. The doctors believe he lost about 30% of his body's blood during the 4 hours from the accident until surgery. After 2.5 days in the hospital, we returned home yesterday. Yes, home sweet home.
Last night, we toasted life. Stephen believes that God wasn't quite ready for him yet (yes, he thought he was not going to make it). We are awaiting to find out what he has in store for our future. Celebrate each day. We never know when it will be our last.
I love this man more than life itself. I promise to demonstrate that love each remaining day we have together!
Joan
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
SECONDMENT
We were in Minneapolis on August 5th for a talk and book signing. As we visited with the principals of Navigate Forward (an executive development/transition consultancy), we learned about their intriguing leadership model. They felt that employees have three phases of leadership development: acquiring and developing leadership skills; using that knowledge and skills to drive business success; and, harvesting their leadership knowledge and skills through mentoring, consulting or other knowledge transfer methods. Baby boomers are at that third stage. The question that remains is how do we best impact other leaders to leverage our learnings.
We wrote an article recently on 'Secondment.' We proposed that 'secondment' is detachment from your full-time career position into a more fluid, flexible, non-traditional working arrangement. It is the 'fun' work we do after we officially retire. This work could take place with our previous employer, a new employer, or be a whole new career. Some 'secondment' work will actually involve starting or buying a business. Secondment is a new work phase that spans between our traditional career and 'old age.' With an average boomer life expectancy of 83, this 'secondment' phase might last from 10-25 years. Most 'retiring' boomers have the mental and physical vitality to make good use of these flexible, work options. Yes, boomers will want to control their 'work,' and balance it with other interests (e.g., relationships, leisure activities, wellness, spirituality, and new learning). We are in an 'age of choice.' Make the most of your choices.
We wrote an article recently on 'Secondment.' We proposed that 'secondment' is detachment from your full-time career position into a more fluid, flexible, non-traditional working arrangement. It is the 'fun' work we do after we officially retire. This work could take place with our previous employer, a new employer, or be a whole new career. Some 'secondment' work will actually involve starting or buying a business. Secondment is a new work phase that spans between our traditional career and 'old age.' With an average boomer life expectancy of 83, this 'secondment' phase might last from 10-25 years. Most 'retiring' boomers have the mental and physical vitality to make good use of these flexible, work options. Yes, boomers will want to control their 'work,' and balance it with other interests (e.g., relationships, leisure activities, wellness, spirituality, and new learning). We are in an 'age of choice.' Make the most of your choices.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Family Reunions
We survived (and thrived) during the recent Carter/Peabody family reunion. We held the gathering at Plymouth Rock which turned out to be a perfect location since we later discovered it is where the first Peabody (Frances) landed in 1635 aboard the Planter.
As a surprise, we hired someone to do genealogy research on Carters, Peabodys, and Taylors. Interestingly, all Stephen's first cousins (he's the youngest of 13 at age 65) claimed they had no family information. Once we called a couple of them with questions about family members, we discovered a few hidden gems that helped to fill in holes that the researcher had. At the reunion, we played 'cousin jeopardy' quizzing them on childhood memories (e.g., Grandma Carter's favorite cookie recipe), as well as genealogical information. When they were struggling to answer the family history questions, we pulled out the 143 page family tree document as gifts.
Amazingly, 70 relatives assembled for this event. The eldest, Charlotte, was 78 (almost 79), and the youngest was Emma, almost one. Fun was had by all. The whale watch produced great whale sitings. This New England family loved the lobster, clams, and barbecue chicken feast, as well as the other catered meals. Having time to share memories while creating new memories was priceless. Our deceased parents all smiled down upon us for making the effort to come together. Future generations of the Carter / Peabody clan will share in the family history that is now documented. Family makes life rich! Are you taking time to enjoy your extended family?
Joan & Stephen
As a surprise, we hired someone to do genealogy research on Carters, Peabodys, and Taylors. Interestingly, all Stephen's first cousins (he's the youngest of 13 at age 65) claimed they had no family information. Once we called a couple of them with questions about family members, we discovered a few hidden gems that helped to fill in holes that the researcher had. At the reunion, we played 'cousin jeopardy' quizzing them on childhood memories (e.g., Grandma Carter's favorite cookie recipe), as well as genealogical information. When they were struggling to answer the family history questions, we pulled out the 143 page family tree document as gifts.
Amazingly, 70 relatives assembled for this event. The eldest, Charlotte, was 78 (almost 79), and the youngest was Emma, almost one. Fun was had by all. The whale watch produced great whale sitings. This New England family loved the lobster, clams, and barbecue chicken feast, as well as the other catered meals. Having time to share memories while creating new memories was priceless. Our deceased parents all smiled down upon us for making the effort to come together. Future generations of the Carter / Peabody clan will share in the family history that is now documented. Family makes life rich! Are you taking time to enjoy your extended family?
Joan & Stephen
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Strategic Planning
We have enjoyed the last four days with friends doing strategic planning on our lanaii in Destin, Florida. Having a clear vision, mission, and strategic priorities provides a road map for growing a business. Similarly, having a strategic plan for the rest of your life allows you to navigate forward with less missteps and effort. Use the same approach with your life plan to get the best results. Failing to take the time to plan often leads to dissatisfaction during 'retirement years.'
Plan now to have the most fulfilling next chapter. Share your plan with others.
Joan
Plan now to have the most fulfilling next chapter. Share your plan with others.
Joan
Friday, July 4, 2008
July 4th -- Independence Day
Life has many celebrations. Taking the time to enjoy each one is an admirable goal. At this life stage, we sometimes think we have seen it all. However, every year brings new nuances for important life events. Today, we are thinking and praying for all those serving this country in far away places as well as those stationed state side. Without their sacrifices, our independence and safety would be at risk.
As the fireworks begin, think about those proud servicemen and servicewomen. Let's celebrate their lives and those of their families. Yes, we are proud to be Americans. Let's think hard about what we can do to improve this nation for future generations. Our children's grandchildren deserve the best!
Sending you all the best on Independence Day!
Joan & Stephen
As the fireworks begin, think about those proud servicemen and servicewomen. Let's celebrate their lives and those of their families. Yes, we are proud to be Americans. Let's think hard about what we can do to improve this nation for future generations. Our children's grandchildren deserve the best!
Sending you all the best on Independence Day!
Joan & Stephen
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