Dropbear Days

Days are consumed. Some are savoured, but most are grabbed in greasy paper and smashed into sustenance. The thing we do. Wake up. Do the first thing. Crush it. Or fuck it up. But do it. It's done. Next thing.

Contrary to popular belief, I like savouring days more than smashing them. My savour might be your smash, or vice versa. Savouring doesn't mean loving every moment. Sometimes a bite has an errant mushroom in it. Savouring means enjoying the meal anyway, even though that mushroom is an unholy abomination. It doesn't ruin the day.

Today I rode my motorcycle to Edmonton and back to have lunch with a friend and client. A seven-hour round trip. Along the way, I solved a thematic problem for a forthcoming project. Deafening road noise, wind at 120 km/h and an ever-changing landscape: that's the cure for creative block.

When I got back, I was mostly deaf and had 15 minutes to pretty myself up for the launch of the Level Up Program.

I rolled in, peeled off my helmet, thought about a shower, looked at my watch, then limped and shuddered my way through the backyard, kissed Jenn, jumped in the car and drove downtown. There was no shower. I did grab my Relic Surf Shop ball cap, and I kept on my leather cut, black jeans and a T-shirt that said "It's pronounced gif." I'm nothing if not professional.

This is how I roll, I guess. I didn't know the government would be there. I also didn't know they'd say nice things about our wee but mighty company, Make More Creative. I met a few dozen Alberta companies that didn't mind that I'd table-jacked a spot to sign their program passports, or that I wore biker boots and had sleeve tattoos and a smile.

If I had to guess, it was the smile, and showing up as I was, that drew people to the table. That's a very Alberta story. Don't put on airs. Show up as you are. Speak kindly to strangers. Gently but firmly admonish people who interrupt, then invite them into the conversation when it's appropriate.

I've worked with Calgary Economic Development for seven years, through its expansion across Alberta, and I can tell you this: they are here to play. The companies they bring into the program are showing up on the global stage. From BDC to RBC to the Government of Alberta to mighty allies like Top Draw and Make More Creative, we are representing hard.