Final thoughts to put the blog to bed...

Good afternoon all - as I've had some time to reflect on the last weeks' events, I want to share how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to participate in Montreal (from the alternate's point-of-view!). I enjoyed getting to know the team members and coaches, and if I may, share some final thoughts. Paul and Jason led a successful team, despite the lack of wins - they continued to push and prod and lead our team to their best, offering insights and observations as the week went on. We didn't take losing lightly of course, but I think some times they took it harder than we did. Jon Charette led the way with his insightful financial analysis and smooth presentation skills. Rachel Ferrigan was the expert task master, and kept the team grounded and focused. Her experience from being the alternate last year was invaluable - and I believe it gave us a leg up on our City Search (yes, we lost that one too), as the questions were the same as last year! At any rate, Justine Chabot was our resident Canadienne - which gave her immediate credibility and likeability with the judges. She usually introduced and concluded each presentation, and set an even tone for the presentation. Roland McCormack . . . this is a hard one. . . he presented well and schmoozed with all the groups as our Aussie international man of mystery.
It was a very valuable experience, in that we learned that life isn't always fair, and you don't always win when maybe you should. We may be from different regions of the world, and speak different languages, but we all share the same emotions, issues, and everyday life "stuff" that sometimes get lost in translation. I was thoroughly exhausted (I don't know how my teammates did it!), and thankful to sleep in my own bed - but I had a blast and hopefully, can't wait for next year! Signing off until another blog rears its ugly head... -N

Home Sweet Home!

I am thankful to report that we made it home safe and sound! (And for the record, it's taking a lot less time on a normal PC instead of a French Mac!)This time around, it only took us 7 hours, including stops. Although we all had a great time, it's nice to be home. I'll rewind a little bit - The final results were announced last night at the Bombardier sponsored Final Banquet, and Calgary took the cup(Thank God!) Speaking of Bombardier - not only did they wonderfully sponsor our final dinner at the Molson competition - they were responsible for constructing the 2010 Vancouver Olympic torch - we were able to have a team pose with the torch, while wearing some Olympic inspired mittens that Dr. Harkins actually won a pair off!

After the dinner, the participants were invited to one of Montreal's most exclusive night clubs - Club Opera - a common event would be to see the Montreal Canadien's drop by. Unfortunately, no Canadien's, but plenty of good people watching. Some... way more than others!

I'll post some final thoughts tomorrow on the whole experience - I am still digesting, literally and figuritively. -N

Final Day

I have a few minutes before the final banquet begins, so I'll try to for a quick recap. It's also when they will announce the final winner (not us, if you've just checked in). The 70's party was a huge success, and I've never seen so many afros in one spot - there were also a surprising number of RollerGirls and RollerGuys - those Germans sure know how to party! We were decked out of course, and I'll try to post some pictures (dejà vu, non?) Jon and Roland demonstrated their Friday Night Fever, while the ladies and I watched in amazement! It's been a fantastic week, but alas it'll be nice to go home. . . .and start classes Monday morning. No rest for the weary - I'll let you know who wins, again, not going to be us - at least this year. I have a throwdown challenge with the coach of University of South Carolina, so let the preparation for next years' competition begin!!! À toute à l'heure! -N

And the judges are in. . .sigh

Sadly folks, our team lost its fifth and final match - I think the judges may have eaten a bad lobster in Maine sometime in their life, as we just can't seem to catch a break! It was a bit of a crushing blow - we were pretty evenly matched against our team, and we lost nonetheless. It's been a long day, and it's a good thing we have the 70's disco party to take the edge off - I thought Paul and Jason were going to blow a gasket when they heard the latest results. Nonetheless, we are managing okay - I'll fill in the details (as many as I can) about the disco dancing. . . Bonne nuit! -N

The judges are still out. . . .

Well, we finished up our last round of competition before the semi-finals -- while we are out of contention, our team fared well against Asper [University of Manitoba). We shall see if our sometimes fickle judges ruled in our favor! Unfortunately our good luck charms, Dr. Mahon and Dr. Daniel, had to depart for the long trip back to Maine. It was great to have them here routing us on, and we enjoyed a very nice dinner last night at Vargas. The competition is close - as there are still some undefeated teams here. It has been a whirlwind adventure, with still more to follow - get ready to do the YMCA tonight at the Disco 70s party this evening. . . time to dust off the platforms! This blog would have taken a lot less time to write if I had been able to use an English speaking Mac - no apostrophes here, as I cannot find the right button! So much for my technology prowess. . . .will share the results of Case #5 as soon as we receive them! À toute à l'heaure! There's that apostrophe!! -N

Long Day. . .

It has been a bit of a trying day and 1/2 for our team - despite a great showing and a lot of blood (blisters from new pumps) sweat and tears, (ok maybe not the tears), Team UMaine was not awarded the victories that they would've liked to have seen.
We didn't end up going ice skating, as it was snowing, and the wind here is brutally unforgiving. We lost both cases yesterday, which was a huge disappointment - you truly are at the mercy of the judges here. Not unlike the "real world," where the workplace isn't always necessarily fair, it was a bit of a demoralizing day. Our team bounced back of course, like the resilient "Mainers" that we are. Their team chemistry is spot on, they work very well together, and despite our lack of "W's", our coaches think they are doing a great job.

The latest results are in - we are 0-4 as of tonight, having lost today to a very talented and polished team of Ryerson. Our good luck charms (the imported Dr. Mahon and Dr. Daniels) arrived this afternoon just in time to catch the presentation. Today was the live case, in which the CMO of . . . wait for it. . . .the Montreal Canadiens, posed a "Where do we go from here?" challenge to our talented MBA group. The phrase "Hockey is Religion, eh?" was uttered more often then you would believe! The cases have been challenging, but again, we are putting in a strong showing despite the scorecard.

Two quick observations, as I allow my NY Sirloin to digest. . . during the day, when the competitive spirit is fierce, there are some teams that nearly bowl you over by their air of superiority. I would say that is not entirely the case with most of the teams here, which I am happy to report - especially as the Molson-Coors sponsored "hospitality suite" opens in the evening. . .need I say more to that point?

The other thing I noticed is that coming in to the competition, it is easy to feel intimidated - we are in great company after all. But when you start talking to different people from literally around the world, and in your own country, you realize you're not so different after all. (Bad cliche, I get it). I'm off for now - I will try to use my technology prowess to upload some pictures (the edited versions of course!) Just kidding, Nory . . . we're behaving as any good business students would, eh? - N

Quick Recap!

My fear of writing a blog has been confirmed - I forget to write! I apologize but here is a quick recap of the last couple of days' events. On Monday, our Team was quickly acquainted with Montreal by completing the City Chase, or the local scavenger hunt. Thanks to Rachel, whose memory for details (from last year!) is like a steel trap, we were able to finish under time. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but I think we were first in our heat - we didn't want to scare away our competitors so early on in the game, and we had a great time.

Also on Monday, they announced our team brackets - we have been pitted against the likes of UPBS (Portugal), Kaiserslautern (Germany), Ryerson (Canada), Asper, and our own host, John Molson (Canada). As shown in the social events in the evening, we are in very good company. It's been a pleasure meeting different MBA students from around the globe, and in talking with many, realizing just how small of a world it is we live in! It's also helpful having our own Canadian on the team, Justine. Translating different phrases has been a breeze - unfortunately she's had to bear the brunt of the comments about the U.S. - Canada hockey results from last night!
Unfortunately, our first competition on Tuesday didn't fare so well - we lost to UPBS but our team put on a strong first showing. If they were nervous, they didn't show it, and they handled themselves coolly and confidently in the faces of some intimidating looking judges!

Currently, the team is in preparation for case 1 of 2 today. Not to worry, they are giving UMaine a great showing up here - the coaches and I share a feeling of team pride, and we look forward to today's result. In the first case (3 hour preparation time, 25 minute presentation and 15 minute Q & A time), Team UMaine is facing the German team of Kaiserslautern, and in the short case this afternoon, we will take on our host, John Molson.

Ice skating tonight, and yes, it's much colder up here. . . -N

Greetings from Montreal!

Well, we finally made it after a mere 9 1/2 hour trip! We were able to leave Orono without a hitch (just for the record, I could've added another suitcase). The long trip was broken up by several pit stops - including lunch at Sugarloaf, where we nearly took out an overzealous BMW who thought they could outrun the mighty UMaine Savanna. The drive was largely uneventful - with the exception of the 7 or 8 cars that went of the road. We entered the land of the North unscathed due to our capable driver, Professor Myer, and co-pilot navigator, Dr. Harkins, aka Garmin. We arrived in chilly Montreal at around 6:30p.m. and enjoyed a nice relaxing dinner at Boccacino's. Everyone is still happy and more importantly, still healthy, at the conclusion of Day One.
Today, we look forward to the City Chase, and St. Stephen Club Networking event. More to follow. . . -N

And the snow continues to fly. . .

Happy New Year! On a windy, snowy Saturday afternoon, our departure time is nearing, but no word yet as to "weather" or not we will leave tomorrow morning on time. Let the packing continue - I'll apologize in advance, but telling three women that they need to "pack light" is like telling a starving person to go easy at the buffet line. Don't forget the networking business cards, passport and power suits! -N