Home

Early Thursday afternoon I handed in my Harvard name badge and key card, boarded a plane and headed home.  After dodging the usual ATL storms, we landed safely and I was reunited with my family by 7:30.  In the car at the airport was Partner's Pizza (do they know me or do they know me!) for the ride home. 

I walked into our home to see for the first time a remodeled kitchen, that looked awesome.  Lesa did a great job with the design and the details.  Also waiting for me was this guy:

Friday was a great day.  Several family members converged on Peachtree City to celebrate with Chris as he graduated.  He now looks ahead to his 18th birthday in about a week, and Valdosta State University in August!  My boy is all grown up. 

Saturday was spent preparing for, and then hosting about 100 guests at our home.  La Parilla catered and the food and service was outstanding!  We had great weather both days and plenty of food and beverages. 

Sunday we were treated to Helen's Crawfish Fettucine and Karen's Jambalaya as we spent some time with family and celebrated Tony's birthday.  Sunday night I had the pleasure of taking Stephen to the Braves/Reds game and by midnight...I was ready to sleep. 

Monday (today) was all about "getting my mind right" as I prepare to  head back to work tomorrow.  I spent the morning digging through the stack of stuff on my desk that needed my attention, but the afternoon was spent floating in the pool.  Nice.

At this point I suppose that I should have some reflection on the Harvard experience that would summarize the wisdom gained or the lessons learned...but honestly I haven't really had a chance to really reflect on that yet.  I don't know if I'll be able to do that in a few days, a few weeks or even a few months.  I do know that I see the world a little differently, I see others a little differently, and I see myself a little differently than I did eight weeks ago. My guess is that those differences in my perception may be very valuable personally and professionally.  Time will tell.

This is the last post for Dugie's Daze (a title that is much more appropriate than I ever dreamed).  Thanks to all of you who lifted me up in prayer, in encouraging calls, messages, cards and care packages and thanks to those of you who supported my family in prayer and kindness while I was away. 

John McCleskey...you're next! 

D-DAY / G-DAY

The entire campus is buzzing today as Harvard Commencement is taking place.  The Business School campus has been transformed this week to accomodate the several hundred graduates from the MBA program and their families.  G-Day for these young men and women is a pretty big deal...walking across the stage to receive a Harvard MBA is pretty special.

It's D-Day for me....I depart today, one day early, so that I can watch my son's G-Day from high school.  I will miss a formal farewell dinner and a couple of final lectures, plus the ceremonies tomorrow when the group is recognized with diplomas.  Going home to see my son graduate vs. staying here is probably one of the easiest decisions that I have had to make all year.  I am so proud of him.

There are three lectures this morning, followed by a lunch break.  My group is doing a small good bye toast for me after lunch. I'll head to the airport and arrive in Atlanta by 7:00 (without weather delays).

I have just begun the process of reflection and application.  As my brain settles from daily case preparation, many larger concepts are becoming more clear.  I will spend much of next week attempting to capture and articulate those thoughts on paper.

I will update this blog probably just once or twice more...perhaps over the weekend and once more after I settle back into my routine (hopefully a somewhat new one) at work.  This has been a great tool for me to capture and share my experiences here.  Thanks to those of you who care about me, pray for me, and followed me during this journey.   Lesa, thank you so much for your support, encouragement and love during this separation.  We've never been apart so long, but the distance has drawn me closer to you.  You are an awesome friend, wife, and mother to our kids.  Speaking of kids...Lauryn and Chris, you both have passed very signficant life milestones over these past 8 weeks.  I regret not being there to celebrate and to comfort, but my pride and love for each of you was there every step of the way.  Thank you for understanding the opportunity and sacrifices around this program.

I CANNOT WAIT TO GET HOME!  See you all real soon!

Rob

Dinner with Newt Gingrich...and Daniel

Daniel Snead joined me for dinner tonight, followed by a surprise appearance by "the marshmallow guy" in our dorm living group area. (He is something of a celebrity).   We walked into Harvard Square to get a burger at Mr. Bartley's and we wasted no time ordering and then eating two delicious ground beef creations.  Daniel, based on my earlier post, got the i-phone.  I went current events and had the Newt Gingrich.  It was awesome to catch up with Daniel.  I look forward to doing the same with the rest of the team next week.

I have just placed 6 boxes in the hall (3 for home and 3 for the office) to be shipped out tomorrow.  This is the first time in over 8 weeks that I don't have "reading homework" hanging over my head and the feeling is quite nice.  My attention is now turning to compiling and organizing my thoughts, and preparing for my return to work.

Got to play tennis this past weekend on the Harvard Varsity indoor courts with Pepe (center), Alexy and Manuel.  Manuel took the picture so just imagine very well dressed middle aged bald guy.  Pepe is a really talented tennis player, and Alexy (Russian) is about like me (not that good).  Lots of fun.

The group is going to grab some ice cream to celebrate the end of casework.  Gotta go!

More later

Ben and Jerry and Obama

Today started off with a cool surprise.  Since we were reviewing the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream case, our professor had a stack of product available to eat during class.  Cherry Garcia at 8:30 was not all bad!

Following that class, we had a 2 hour discussion on Obama vs. Bush.  If I tell you that the President of Harvard is one of  Obama's chief financial advisors could you guess which way the discussion tilted?  Left turn ahead!

Daniel Snead is in town for some Supply Chain meetings at MIT.  We are going to have dinner together tomorrow which should be a lot of fun.  The folks here know him as the marshmallow guy.  (I had to explain "chubby bunny"...which was not easy). 

Tonight was the last night of case discussions...and it deteriorated rapidly.  We are all ready to wrap it up and get home, but spirits are high and we are making the most of the last few days together.  Wednesday will be spent reflecting on the past two months and starting to plan for a return to the real world.  Only 3 more nights!

More later...

Cases and Boxes

Just when I thought it was safe to unpack the shorts and t-shirts the New England Cloud Chowder returns.  Friday night and Saturday morning was apparently more hallucination than an indicator of improving weather.  The soupy mix of clouds, drizzle and temperatures in the 40's and 50's returned yesterday afternoon and continued through today.  Oh well...I'll be complaining about the heat and humidity soon enough when I go home!

We took our Australian to Outback Steakhouse last night.  He had never been...or even heard of the concept for that matter.  We had a really fun time...probably the most fun we have had as a group so far.  Everyone was very relaxed and just enjoyed each other's company.  Over the past week, during our evening case review meetings, we have taken turns sharing our personal and professional stories.  We have shared family pictures, work stuff etc.  Mike (Australian) gave us a lesson on Aussie lingo.  See if you can match the right phrase with the American translation:

(answers below)
1.  Sanger
a.  Wedding Singer  b.  Sandwich  c.  Female Athlete  d.  Hanger for Slacks

2.  Ocker
a.  Unsophisticated person  b.  Eight points in Aussie Rules football  c.  Beer Mug   d.  Sneeze

3.  Esky
a.  Ice Cream Sandwich  b.  Credit Card  c.  Computer Key  d.  Large Insulated Cooler

4.  Give it a burl
a.  Throw it away  b.  Try it  c. Throw it up   d.  Give it a name

5.  Flat out like a lizard drinking
a.  Very tired    b.  Very sneaky   c.  Very slow   d.  Very fast

Answers:
1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b, 5-d

I started packing boxes today....3 headed to the office and 3 headed for home!  Mostly binders, notes and books from the course headed to my office.  Some shoes and clothes and an afghan blanket that I brought with me from home.  The afghan was knitted by Gram, my great-grandmother who lived in Plymouth, MA until she passed away in the early 90's.  It brings me great comfort on many levels.  I sleep with it at home, and have really liked having it here with me.

Only 3 more cases to read!!!!  Here are my favorite "before and after" pictures:

More later!!!

The Son Shines AND the Sun Shines!

I have just finished reading cases on Japan and Eureka Vacuum cleaners.  Turns out they both suck.  (Sorry, couldn't resist). 

I am a proud papa today as my son completed the last requirement to graduate from McIntosh High School!  He has done a great job this year and I couldn't be more happy and joyful for him.  Graduation is one week from right now! 

Speaking of one week...that's how long it has been since the sun has appeared here.  It has just peaked out from behind the clouds and this gray place is suddenly colorful again.  I am going to run along the Charles River right after I post this message.  Here is the view from my room right now:

Only 3 more group discussion meetings.  Tonight, then Sunday and Monday!  Daniel Snead will be in town next week too.  I am looking forward to having dinner with him, and if his schedule permits, maybe sneaking him into a class or two!

I'll start packing this weekend.  Believe it or not, they gave us 4 more books today!   (I wonder if Daniel needs something to read on the plane)  :)

Going to run ...More later...

A Package and Some Packing!

I got a package today from Dianne filled with some candy and baked treats, including some awesome brownies and blueberry bars:

I am sure that these containers will be empty by this time tomorrow!   Another really good thing arrived today:

Boxes and tape to start packing things up for departure next week! I am tempted to pack everything up right now, but I know that I need to pace myselft...8 more days until I leave! 

I showed the living group the videos from work, explaning many of the inside jokes.  We then spent about 30 minutes watching Chick-fil-A videos on YouTube.  They are starting to understand the whole concept much better now.  They still don't understand me, but that would be really hoping for a lot. 

I am putting two links below of a new type of  outdoor advertising medium called "facade 3D" ... primarily in Asia and Europe.  Very cool.  When you watch it you have to remember that this is a building, with a 3D projection on the facade. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnOHGbNWQmI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=699NBQp6Jfg

More later...