Rose Parade 2012!

     This year was my 21st year working on the Rose Parade. Every year I am excited to begin the challenge of decoration week, though this year was more challenging than previous years in a different way. I came into the 100 hour work week already tired from holiday hubbub and end of the year freelance gigs. Additionally, this year I was training a new supervisor and did not have the ultra experienced co-supervisor to lean on. I very much enjoyed training my new co-supervisor and felt confident in my abilities throughout most of the crazy week. The only thing lacking for me this year besides my physical energy was the lack of artistic input I had on the decoration the float. Given that I was made the head cheese of my float for the first time and I was training my co-supervisor, the level of difficulty was perfect for the both of us. It was a very manageable float, and in the end I think that is why I found myself a little bored this year. This year was about people, management and the volunteer's experience and less about the art. The art is what has always feed my passion for the Rose Parade. The large scale of the production and the beauty and artistry of the float is always amazing.
     Though this year the art was less satisfying for me I still learned many lessons about team and project management, working with corporate clients and teaching volunteers decoration skills while still having fun. The 2012 Rode Parade may not have been what I thought it would be for myself, but it was still a rewarding experience.