Stuck in the Desert... with nothing to do!

As you may or may not know, our very own Titi Edi gathered up some frequent flyer miles as she made her way to the desert of Arizona. Here's what she had to say about the trip:

It’s good to be home. Just last week I would not have imagined that I would utter these words. Not after having returned from a business trip that from afar seemed bursting with potential. Salary Arbitration is such an exciting time of the year -- lots of frenzied running around, heated negotiations, hearings, and finally the waiting around for that one call that would announce whether or not we had achieved a “win.” I expected to be happily engaged in the activities of salary arbitration; not in its totality, but at least to a meaningful, purposeful level. This did not happen.

Not to say that it was all a waste of time. I did manage to enjoy brief but unforgettable views of the scenic mountains of Arizona from the glass encased elevators at the Hyatt hotel in Phoenix. The weather, however, was a different story altogether--mostly cold and rainy. But the focal point of my disappointment lay rooted in our temporary office which was located by the Hyatt’s courtyard. Loyal worker that I am, I would show up bright and early (that’s 8 a.m.) to a workroom packed with a bunch of dedicated workers. These people diligently hovered over their lap tops, screens aglow with colorful statistical charts. But there was very little to keep me occupied, except for the occasional copy job, since answering the phones had somehow turned into an Olympic race (everyone reached for it at first ring). Much of the group would put in long hours, leaving past 10:30 p.m. on most days. This would likely explain the often sarcastic comments whispered around the room. And so I congregated with my fellow worker for long hours, and hesitatingly (but most gladly) retire by 7 p.m., by which time I felt totally exhausted. But since extracurricular activity was almost nonexistent within our parameters, it seemed like a good idea to put in a little extra time at the office in order to avoid becoming too bored. Not so. On the contrary, hanging around the office for such long periods made me feel burnt out and I would drop like dead weight upon reaching my bed every evening.

This went on for an entire week. The same routine remained unchanged throughout my stay in Phoenix. I felt unchallenged as well as underutilized. I had hoped that this trip would somehow change my perspective about my position, and thus my role, at the company. Sadly, it did not. At the end of the week I decided to take an earlier flight back home, even opting for a red-eye flight. It was clearly a wise decision, since I’ve been feeling revitalized and in good spirits since my return.

After a wonderful Valentines Day dinner at Meson Madrid, replete with lobster tails, garlic shrimp and lots of white Sangria, I did manage to put several things into perspective. Perhaps taking those necessary steps in order to advance to the next level at work won’t be too difficult after all. Yes, it’s good to be home.

I've also included a photo of Arizona, which she kindly passed my way, for your viewing pleasure.