June 26,2012

"Hey, Orion," I said. "I figured out why the staff of the Department of Environmental Quality in Saipan like it when I visit."  "Okay, I'll bite," answered Orion. "Why do they like it when you come out?" "Because they use my visit as a justification for rewarding the staff.  This trip they reserved a conference room at a resort hotel, including refreshments morning and afternoon, and a huge buffet lunch.  This is a way to reward hard working staff who earn an average of $12 to 15K in salary."  "I'm sure the staff enjoys that," Orion said.  "Do you think they also get a lot out of what you are teaching them?" "Well, I guess there might be a little of that.  One person, who remembered me from 7 years ago, gave me a hug and said 'welcome home, John.'"

June 24, 2012

"Hi, Orion," I said, as I drink a beer at 4:30 p.m. in Saipan. "We haven't talked in a long time, like two months," Orion answered.  "Anything wrong?" "I have to admit, I started feeling silly talking to a constellation of stars," I said. "That sounds like a normal thing to think," Orion responded.  "Why are you talking to me now?" "I feel a little down, maybe a little lonely." "So here's the thing, john-boy, you tell all of your coaching clients that they have their own answers inside them, right? And what you do is bring out their own wisdom, right? Isn't that kind of what you use me for?  To bring out your own wisdom?"  "I guess so," I said. "So what's up now that is causing you to be down?"  "I just finished a stressful week in Guam with a resistant boss, and now I face a week working with 50 people, all by myself."  "We've got lots to talk about, grasshopper!"