1 year

There was no anniversary to remember my 1st year in Shanghai. I left NYC on Sept 11 last year. I traveled with my boss on Sept 11 this year. My first day at work was Sept 13 last year. I was in Xiamen seeing a model room on Sept 13 this year. I don't think it calls for any celebration. It, however, reminds me of how much one's life evolves in a short time.
Sept was always a hard month since 2001. I am almost grateful that I am not exposed to excessive TV coverage. This Sept, I was overly overwhelmed with work. I spent a total of 2 days in the office in the entire month. Between work travel, leadership training boot camp, department annual workshop, and the struggles with the 2 opening hotels, I was just utterly spent. I am glad that Jim didn't return to Shanghai with me. He would have been totally left on his own.
Best part of the month was the leadership training. 5 days of behavior scrutiny. Nothing harder than facing video review every evening. The truth all came out!!! I was pleasantly surprised by how well behaved I was. But my controlling personality, passive aggressiveness, manipulation through kindness, and avoidance of confrontation were all on display. Good news is that people still love me. :-)
October's National Day 1-week holiday is a welcome break from this crazy schedule. Still have a lot to catch up on. But the luxury of waking up according to my own physical need is priceless.
I am very torn between looking forward to the opening of the 2 hotels in next 4 months and the actual work I have to do to get them open! I can't wait to get them over and done with. But it is such a long drawn out process. Even after their opening, there are all these follow ups that will go on for another 12 months plus. It is just never ending!
It was a beautiful September in Shanghai. I am dragging the arrival of winter. It is probably because I didn't get to enjoy one bit of the summer.
How to actually get that work-life balance? How to make sure your family and your work are harmonious? How to have a life without regrets?
I think Sept can help putting the perspective in place. Remember the thousands of causalities and their families had their lives ripped out under them. We just need to match on with heads up high.