I was off to LA on Tuesday 18th -- had the conference on 19th and 20th. Took the friday 21st off then the PEX weekend #6 on 22nd and 23rd. It was a long trip to LA. I left home at 12:30 p.m. and arrived at the hotel at 10:30 (1:30 a.m. Eastern time) so took 13 hours total. I met a nice man and we had a good time talking about books, my volunteer work and how I just left work and how he'll be bicycling around in CA for a month.
Wednesday, I got to the conference late and missed most of Prof Yunus's talk. I was mad at myself for that and I had to get off it - talked to myself that all is going to turn out exactly as it should just like when I met Cedza - to accomplish what I came to accomplish. I saw Alex first -- right before the lunch break where he's supposed to talk. I meant to find out how he got the foundation started with 6,000 start up money and he actually offered -- if that is what you want to do he'll be willing to provide some support -- but I needed Prof. Yunus's blessing. Although I did not dare to ask for that amount of positive response, I decided to go all the way. So I went up to Prof. Yunus, and he remembered me from trips to WDC and his trip to Canada. I told him that Alex says I need his blessing to start something like that in Canada and he said "sure no problem". I was a bit stunned. I asked him if we were restricted to where we could disburse -- he said sure if we were to use the name Grameen. I did not ask for it but it seems that was the understanding. So, I'm even more stunned. Alex told me to send him a 3 page proposal and define what we would need. He'll also get me in touch with Spanish and Australian counterparts.
This is still unbelievable.
Friday, Susan, Jungnam and I went to the oldest hot dog stand in CA. Had a giant hot dog and black cherry drink. JN wasn't in good shape so she had to be brought back to the hotel. Susan and I finally went to the Getty Museum. What a modern day cathedral! The view was breathtaking and bought some souvenirs. Too bad my digital camera ran out of batteries.
Saturday -- went to Korean restaurent (2nd time that week).
Sunday -- Last day of the course and sad good byes. But I'm looking forward to Power and Contribution - I'm beginning to believe that a mouth and some language are what it takes to make a difference.
This is Tuesday and I went for blood test at the CLSC and went to lunch with Kim. I am now wondering if I should have her apply for Results position in Ottawa. I'm going to need a partner for the foundation project asap.