grateful

Twelve Days of Appreciation: Day 1-Work

Posted on by Josef Havelka

We are twelve days until Christmas. So I am going to use that as a prompt over the few blog posts to share my top twelve things that I am grateful for leading up to the holiday season. I know the twelve days of Christmas start on Christmas Day, but I want to lead up to that day instead. So here goes with day number 1 of Appreciation.

I appreciate my job.

It’s kind of obvious that in life we do need some sort of income to be able to afford a lifestyle that we enjoy. Over the past 15 years, CN has been wonderful in this aspect. CN has allowed me to enjoy and deliver the best things in life for myself and my family. I have made many good friends along the way and have had some great experiences that are one of a kind because the railroad helped me to get there.

I’m thankful for my previous jobs also. Without working at a movie theater, Chuck E Cheese’s or even pumping gas- I never would have made the friends that I have kept for a lifetime. A job isn’t always just about making money- it’s about creating friendships and bonds that go beyond work.

As I grow older I have come to appreciate my past and how it got me to where I am today. I have also enjoyed the decades of watching my friends succeed in life and grow their families as well. From career changes to marriages to pets to kids- everyone has had a different path than mine and each one is beautiful to behold.

Without work, none of those things could happen. I am truly grateful for where I am in my career and wouldn’t change it for the world.

Coaching The Next Coach

Posted on by Josef Havelka

Julian has been a great leader and coach to our kids- and many others- over the years. He has focused on building up the skills that the kids possess without pushing them beyond their capabilities. He has an understanding of what each child can do and has helped to expand their chances at winning in the areas that they would be successful at.

The speed skating coach that my kids have learned from over the years is now training our daughter to be a coach. Yesterday they stood together on the sidelines coaching our local club members.

Julian has been a fantastic coach and friend over the years. His coaching wisdom has been passed on to a few youngsters, such as our daughter. He is an appreciated leader and loved by all of us. We hope for many more years of learning from him and to keep his legacy alive.