Sunday, July 8, 2012

New Blog

Since I started this blog, I've been toying around with changing the name. I've started a new blog, and I hope you'll join me at AlexAGarrett.blogspot.com. I'll continue to share some of my personal life, but will focus on my work and professional life a little more.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Attempt at slowly catching up...

I've been slowly writing this, but haven't had much energy to do anything, let alone spell check, proof, and post (or upload pictures...) but here we go. (On a side note - I think my cold is gone!)

June 8 - What are your favorite decorative items/household pieces?


I'm still, slowly, building my home. And knowing that we probably will move again, and again, and again before settling into our own home makes this a little more complicated. But, I have a few pieces that I will look for a home for everywhere we move.


This chair is ridiculous. It can fit me; my dog & me; my dog; my cat; or (most importantly) me & my coffee & a book.


This print is of Brandon's favorite vacation spot. It's one to highlight, so it always gets an up and out of the way location in our apartment - we love it.


This table was our first piece of furniture we bought in Chicago, and we love it. It's the perfect size for just a few items, and accents well with our other furniture. (I guess I also have to shout out to my Scentsy warmer, which I also love.)


This is my favorite painting in the world. It's by my uncle, and it is awesome.

I think in my future life, I'll have throw pillows everywhere. For now...no throw pillows.

June 9 - What skill have you learned in the past year that you are proud of?


This past year has been a challenge for me - learning to let go, to move on, to accept that some things you can't change. But recently, I've gained a (very useless) skill that I hope I don't have to use again.

I decided, with 15 days to re-sign a lease, to start looking at apartments. I can now describe any apartment/condo to you before seeing pictures based solely on the text. Examples...

cozy - small. Generally about 400 sq ft smaller than you think it should be.
vintage - dark wood (peeling wood) with old, white cupboards and paint
view - if they are using this as a selling point, it is a view of a parking lot.
large living space - most of the square footage is the living areas. SMALL bedrooms (possibly closet sized.)
comfy - again, small.
cheery - white. EVERYWHERE.
sunny - ground level unit, a lot of windows. (this can be a good thing.)
garden - underground, there will be small windows.

So, I wouldn't say that this is a skill to be proud of, necessarily, but will probably be useful in a year-ish when I decide to move. Or, maybe you bookmark this to help you when you decide to move. Who knows. All I do know is that I'm pretty certain that I will just be re-signing my lease. Hopefully this newly acquired "skill" will be to plan ahead.

June 10 - What was your hardest partner moment?


Our biggest challenge in general is communication. There isn't one specific example of this, but all of the discussions/arguments we get into stem from just not communicating well.

This is a hard one to fix. I talk SO MUCH (at work, at home, etc.) that I assume that he knows what I'm thinking, or that I've already told him something. (Example: It took me 2 weeks to tell him that the bank sent me a new debit card, because I thought I'd already told him. Not a big deal, but 2 weeks is a long time.)

He, on the other hand, can keep things to himself. While we make an effort to talk through our days, our plans, and our life, sometimes he just keeps things in, or I don't think to ask the right questions.

It's been a challenge, and almost six years in, it's one we still battle with. But, I think we're moving forward...

June 11 - If you were to play hooky from work today, what would you do?


Go to the beach with Ellie.

Ellie (my dog) and I have been together nearly as long as Brandon and I have. Living in Chicago has been hard - no lunch walks, no runs outdoors, and no quality time. It kind of appears that Chicago doesn't like dogs. I know this is not the case, but living in the city with a dog can be quite the challenge.

If I could take the day off, I'd go hang out with her there. In fact...that might be what I do with my Friday. Thanks for the mini-vacation idea, Broads.
---
I'm blogging daily-ish with Reverb Broads. Join us!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

I'd be lying...

June 7, 2012: List 8 reasons it is okay to lie.


I'm home sick today (and probably should have stayed home yesterday, too,) so I've had a lot of time to think on this one. I've also had a lot of time to watch killers on CSI/Law & Order/Any other cop show that does daily marathons lie, so I've had some practice watching liars.

1. If it saves my hide (and I can still fix it.)
I'm a to-do list kind of person. I generally don't forget to do things, but when I do, I think it's okay to lie. I generally will run back to my office/computer/phone to fix whatever it is I forgot to do, but if I can claim that I did something and it gets me out of trouble, or doesn't make me look incompetent, I think that's okay.

2. If it makes you feel better.
People are constantly looking for validation from those around them on their fashion or purchases or decisions. If I know that telling you the truth will break your heart (like telling a student that I think their tee-shirt design is ugly, or telling a bride her colors are hideous), I will lie and make you feel a little better.

3. If it fixes the situation.
I can be super picky on some things. If I know that my picky food choices will complicate the situation we are in, or that my opinion on a topic for discussion in a meeting is going to turn it into a Marathon Meeting, I'll lie.

4. To kids. (yes, Julia, you are spot on with this one.)
We lie to kids all the time, and sometimes its just easier to lie than break their heart so early in their lives (Santa, Tooth Fairy, the list goes on.) Click over to Julia's blog to read about the Music Truck. I may use that one, too.

5. When it makes my life easier.
"I can't meet at 9 a.m. on Monday. How about 10:30?" Not just work related. To the doctor, the dentist, etc.
I can't function at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, or on Sundays. Of course, if it's a make or break I can make it happen. But I can't go to that concert because I'm busy (translate: I can't stand that band), etc.

6. When it's about money
I have no desire to talk about money (on a personal level), so I won't. If I can't go to that concert because of money, I'll say I'm busy, or I don't like them, or whatever. My friends always want to talk about how much you pay for rent (they pay $1000 less than I do, because I live in Chicago), or how much their car payments are, what their weddings cost, and I always manage to evade/lie/just completely avoid the discussions.

7.  When it avoids more questions.
When you become an adult and you spent more time at work than you do at home, you sometimes have to deal with personal things at work - like scheduling doctor appointments, receiving packages, and taking phone calls. I will tell you that everything is totally fine if it means that you will leave me alone and not make me continue to talk about whatever is going on. When I'm ready, I will share.

8. When I know that it won't hurt anyone.
Sometimes, it's okay to cover for others - if a lie helps someone else out, makes someone look good, or is just a helpful "fib," I think it's okay.

So, this is a lot of things. I feel like a bad person for saying I'd lie so much - I'd prefer the term fib. I'm generally going to opt for the truth. But...sometimes, just sometimes, it might be okay.

---
I'm participating in a daily blog prompt with Reverb Broads. Join me!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Recipe Share!

June 6: Share a recipe that is a summertime favorite.


I LOVE a good burger. I wouldn't say it's my favorite food, but I love finding alternatives to the traditional burger. Where I currently live in Chicago, I don't have any outdoor space, so I can't grill. I've tried baking burgers (delicious!), but I also found this lovely recipe for an alternative to beef burgers - ChickPea burgers!
Sassy Chickpea Burgers with Lemon Aioli Sauce
Burger Ingredients:2 cloves garlic, minced (I actually use Garlic Lovers from Alden Millhouse)
1 small onion
1/4 green bell pepper
1 can chickpeas
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper (I actually use Miracle Blend from Alden Mill house)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup flour
4 buns
lettuce
tomato


Aioli ingredients:2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp olive oil
1.  Peel the onion, cut into quarters and place in a food processor bowl. Cut the bell pepper piece into quarters and add them to the food processor bowl. Pulse food processor until onion and pepper are finely minced (not mushy). Place into a medium-size mixing bowl.

To make the Burgers:
1. Peel the onion, cut into quarters and place in a food processor bowl. Cut the bell pepper piece into quarters and add them to the food processor bowl. Pulse food processor until onion and pepper are finely minced (not mushy). Place into a medium-size mixing bowl.
2. Drain the liquid from the chickpeas (set aside, do not discard.) Pour chickpeas into the processor bowl. Add egg and 2 tbsp. of chickpea liquid. Process until chickpeas are chopped but still have texture. Add to the onion mixture.
3. Add bread crumbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl and stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Shape the mixture into patties
4. Spread the flour on a plate and dredge the chickpea patties lightly in it.
5. Heat the oil in a deep skillet. Add the patties and fry until golden brown.
6. Split the buns and lightly toast them in the toaster. Serve with lettuce, tomato and a dollop of the lemon aioli.

To make the aioli:
1. Place garlic in a 2 cup bowl. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the bowl.
2. Add the mayonnaise and oil and stir well to blend. Serve at once or refrigerate.
I don't make food to take pictures of it, so I stopped (a long time ago) taking pictures of my meals, but I promise you this is an excellent new take on your traditional burger!



---
I'm participating in a daily blog prompt through June with Reverb Broads. Join me!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Amendments

June 5: Come up with a new constitutional amendment.


I'm a little fired up about politics right now (Wisconsin, Gay marriage, equal pay, the list goes on...), so I'm trying not to take this super seriously.

All persons must spend at least 1% of their day laughing.

Think about it. You have 1,440 minutes in a day. Doctors think you should sleep for 480 (8 hours) of those, leaving you with 960 minutes. If you laughed for 1 minute every hour you were at work (assuming 8 hours,) and then laughed nearly 2 minutes while at home, your day would be so much lighter.

Yes, there are times that it may be inappropriate to laugh, but laughter can cure so many things. Laughter makes us feel lighter, makes us see things in a new light and (according to Mark Twain, I think) is instant vacation.

We all have seen those inspirational quotes (either online, on boards, printed in offices, etc.) We should Live well. We should Love much. But most importantly, we should Laugh often.

Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
I'm trying to tell you something about my life,
Maybe give me insight between black and white.
And the best thing you've ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously,
It's only life, after all.
-------
I'm participating in a daily blog prompt group, Reverb Broads, through the month of June. Join me!

Monday, June 4, 2012

I totally forgot it was June...

I was 100% planning on jumping back on the blogging bandwagon with June 1st, and the first of the Reverb Broads 2012 posts. And then all of a sudden it was June 4th. I'm still going to participate, just in a short version: catch-up style.

June 2: What gives you nightmares?

I used to say flying, because I used to have nightmares (of plane crashes, naturally) for the week leading up to my flight. Then I was hired as the Graduate Assistant for the College of Aviation at WMU in 2008...and that went out the window.
Meet Parker (the cat) and Ellie (the dog.) I love these two animals, but unfortunately, I can't always take them with me. Periodically I have to leave them, either alone or with friends, and I can't say I've had the best luck in that. Ellie has slashed her leg open, been very sick, and had a lot of vet visits around the times of our vacations. Parker has been lost (in the basement it turns out) and also seems to hate us after a vacation.
I'm getting ready to leave them - with one of my students at the end of June - again, and I can't say that the nightmares haven't started. I generally dream about my Condo burning down (which is not very rational, but is what happens,) but it always stems from leaving them alone.

June 3: Who are your role models?

I recently had this conversation with a colleague. It seems that a lot of people have mentors and role models, and it's not really anything that I ever latched on to - not necessarily because of disappointment, there just weren't people that I looked up to over a period of time.

I do, however, look up to my mom. She moved from Olympia, WA to Fernley, NV (and now has settled elsewhere) with my dad (and my brother and my sister) to start over. They've started a theater company and, while they've faced their (unequal) share of challenges, they keep pushing through. AND, through all of that, she has also found the time to take time out for herself and work towards some personal goals that I know mean a lot to her.

June 4: What did people tease you about growing up?


To be honest, my memory says that this list is endless. I did not fit in (not that this should surprise anyone.) I was a musical theater kid, with an awkward birthmark and a weird voice. I also had a boys name - what is there not to pick on there? I'll work through this backwards:

When I was growing up, the common girls name was Sarah (I can think of at least 4 that I went to school with since elementary school, but probably more than that.) It seemed that the common boys name (at the time) was Alex. Unfortunately, my first name is Alex, and I'm not a boy. I got teased about this - AND there was a boy in my class whose last name was only one letter off from mine, so that made the teasing a little bit more intense.

Ever since I could talk, I've had a "unique" voice. In my adult life, I've had people ask if I'm sick (Nope, this is always how I sound,) tell me it's a turn on (that's rather awkward, and no you can't buy me a drink,) and hang up on me on the phone, only to call back and say they couldn't understand me. In my young life, I only remember wishing I could clear my throat and be done with it.

When I was born, I had a tiny pink splotchy birthmark on the inside-lower part of my left arm. As the arm grew, so did the birthmark. As a child, it looked like a rash (sometimes, if I'm cold, it still does.) I had people tell me they didn't want to play with me because I was "sick" because of a rash...a rash that didn't really exist. For me, it was embarrassing, because it would flare up when I was cold (sometimes turning a deep, dark red instead of the usual light pink), so I'd wear long sleeves for as long as I could.

This post makes me feel like I hated my childhood - I didn't. I had a wonderful musical theater company that embraced me (birthmark, weird voice, name and all), and I made some of the best friends I'll ever have through that. But...it still makes me worry about what my children will go through; as we all know, childhood is not the easiest...

Friday, May 18, 2012

Moving (& what our space means to us)

We are really attached to stuff. I know that's not a very profound statement, but think about it: we are attached to lucky charms (although haven't seen anyone carrying a lucky rabbit's foot anytime recently), we're attached to houses (I remember being on the verge of tears when my childhood house was sold), and we're attached to certain rooms/pieces of furniture (Mine's a chair in my living room.)

Where does this attachment come from? It mostly comes from our comfort - we feel "lucky" (comfortable) because something good happened to us when we had that omen with us; we were comfortable in the house we grew up in, and we're comfortable in places that are safe for us.

Moving can be a thrilling experience. We get placed in a new location; this environment is charged with new energy, new experiences, and new ideas. I started the process of moving offices (I'm moving down eight offices by the middle of next week) today. As I started the very initial process of moving today, I received a lot of skepticism from passing students and staff.

As I talked about it (there are some really good reasons behind my move), everyone started to get on a better footing with it. I'm really excited about the move - as I cleaned my soon-to-be old office today, I found thank you letters from students who graduated last year. I found old program flyers, and I was given the opportunity to go back through conference notes from the last two years.

I'm very excited to move - while I will miss my space, I will have the opportunity to re-develop my office, re-organize, and re-claim that space.

When was the last time you fully embraced a change?

New Blog

0
| Sunday, July 8, 2012
Since I started this blog, I've been toying around with changing the name. I've started a new blog, and I hope you'll join me at AlexAGarrett.blogspot.com. I'll continue to share some of my personal life, but will focus on my work and professional life a little more.

Attempt at slowly catching up...

0
| Sunday, June 10, 2012
I've been slowly writing this, but haven't had much energy to do anything, let alone spell check, proof, and post (or upload pictures...) but here we go. (On a side note - I think my cold is gone!)

June 8 - What are your favorite decorative items/household pieces?


I'm still, slowly, building my home. And knowing that we probably will move again, and again, and again before settling into our own home makes this a little more complicated. But, I have a few pieces that I will look for a home for everywhere we move.


This chair is ridiculous. It can fit me; my dog & me; my dog; my cat; or (most importantly) me & my coffee & a book.


This print is of Brandon's favorite vacation spot. It's one to highlight, so it always gets an up and out of the way location in our apartment - we love it.


This table was our first piece of furniture we bought in Chicago, and we love it. It's the perfect size for just a few items, and accents well with our other furniture. (I guess I also have to shout out to my Scentsy warmer, which I also love.)


This is my favorite painting in the world. It's by my uncle, and it is awesome.

I think in my future life, I'll have throw pillows everywhere. For now...no throw pillows.

June 9 - What skill have you learned in the past year that you are proud of?


This past year has been a challenge for me - learning to let go, to move on, to accept that some things you can't change. But recently, I've gained a (very useless) skill that I hope I don't have to use again.

I decided, with 15 days to re-sign a lease, to start looking at apartments. I can now describe any apartment/condo to you before seeing pictures based solely on the text. Examples...

cozy - small. Generally about 400 sq ft smaller than you think it should be.
vintage - dark wood (peeling wood) with old, white cupboards and paint
view - if they are using this as a selling point, it is a view of a parking lot.
large living space - most of the square footage is the living areas. SMALL bedrooms (possibly closet sized.)
comfy - again, small.
cheery - white. EVERYWHERE.
sunny - ground level unit, a lot of windows. (this can be a good thing.)
garden - underground, there will be small windows.

So, I wouldn't say that this is a skill to be proud of, necessarily, but will probably be useful in a year-ish when I decide to move. Or, maybe you bookmark this to help you when you decide to move. Who knows. All I do know is that I'm pretty certain that I will just be re-signing my lease. Hopefully this newly acquired "skill" will be to plan ahead.

June 10 - What was your hardest partner moment?


Our biggest challenge in general is communication. There isn't one specific example of this, but all of the discussions/arguments we get into stem from just not communicating well.

This is a hard one to fix. I talk SO MUCH (at work, at home, etc.) that I assume that he knows what I'm thinking, or that I've already told him something. (Example: It took me 2 weeks to tell him that the bank sent me a new debit card, because I thought I'd already told him. Not a big deal, but 2 weeks is a long time.)

He, on the other hand, can keep things to himself. While we make an effort to talk through our days, our plans, and our life, sometimes he just keeps things in, or I don't think to ask the right questions.

It's been a challenge, and almost six years in, it's one we still battle with. But, I think we're moving forward...

June 11 - If you were to play hooky from work today, what would you do?


Go to the beach with Ellie.

Ellie (my dog) and I have been together nearly as long as Brandon and I have. Living in Chicago has been hard - no lunch walks, no runs outdoors, and no quality time. It kind of appears that Chicago doesn't like dogs. I know this is not the case, but living in the city with a dog can be quite the challenge.

If I could take the day off, I'd go hang out with her there. In fact...that might be what I do with my Friday. Thanks for the mini-vacation idea, Broads.
---
I'm blogging daily-ish with Reverb Broads. Join us!

I'd be lying...

0
| Thursday, June 7, 2012
June 7, 2012: List 8 reasons it is okay to lie.


I'm home sick today (and probably should have stayed home yesterday, too,) so I've had a lot of time to think on this one. I've also had a lot of time to watch killers on CSI/Law & Order/Any other cop show that does daily marathons lie, so I've had some practice watching liars.

1. If it saves my hide (and I can still fix it.)
I'm a to-do list kind of person. I generally don't forget to do things, but when I do, I think it's okay to lie. I generally will run back to my office/computer/phone to fix whatever it is I forgot to do, but if I can claim that I did something and it gets me out of trouble, or doesn't make me look incompetent, I think that's okay.

2. If it makes you feel better.
People are constantly looking for validation from those around them on their fashion or purchases or decisions. If I know that telling you the truth will break your heart (like telling a student that I think their tee-shirt design is ugly, or telling a bride her colors are hideous), I will lie and make you feel a little better.

3. If it fixes the situation.
I can be super picky on some things. If I know that my picky food choices will complicate the situation we are in, or that my opinion on a topic for discussion in a meeting is going to turn it into a Marathon Meeting, I'll lie.

4. To kids. (yes, Julia, you are spot on with this one.)
We lie to kids all the time, and sometimes its just easier to lie than break their heart so early in their lives (Santa, Tooth Fairy, the list goes on.) Click over to Julia's blog to read about the Music Truck. I may use that one, too.

5. When it makes my life easier.
"I can't meet at 9 a.m. on Monday. How about 10:30?" Not just work related. To the doctor, the dentist, etc.
I can't function at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, or on Sundays. Of course, if it's a make or break I can make it happen. But I can't go to that concert because I'm busy (translate: I can't stand that band), etc.

6. When it's about money
I have no desire to talk about money (on a personal level), so I won't. If I can't go to that concert because of money, I'll say I'm busy, or I don't like them, or whatever. My friends always want to talk about how much you pay for rent (they pay $1000 less than I do, because I live in Chicago), or how much their car payments are, what their weddings cost, and I always manage to evade/lie/just completely avoid the discussions.

7.  When it avoids more questions.
When you become an adult and you spent more time at work than you do at home, you sometimes have to deal with personal things at work - like scheduling doctor appointments, receiving packages, and taking phone calls. I will tell you that everything is totally fine if it means that you will leave me alone and not make me continue to talk about whatever is going on. When I'm ready, I will share.

8. When I know that it won't hurt anyone.
Sometimes, it's okay to cover for others - if a lie helps someone else out, makes someone look good, or is just a helpful "fib," I think it's okay.

So, this is a lot of things. I feel like a bad person for saying I'd lie so much - I'd prefer the term fib. I'm generally going to opt for the truth. But...sometimes, just sometimes, it might be okay.

---
I'm participating in a daily blog prompt with Reverb Broads. Join me!

Recipe Share!

2
| Wednesday, June 6, 2012
June 6: Share a recipe that is a summertime favorite.


I LOVE a good burger. I wouldn't say it's my favorite food, but I love finding alternatives to the traditional burger. Where I currently live in Chicago, I don't have any outdoor space, so I can't grill. I've tried baking burgers (delicious!), but I also found this lovely recipe for an alternative to beef burgers - ChickPea burgers!
Sassy Chickpea Burgers with Lemon Aioli Sauce
Burger Ingredients:2 cloves garlic, minced (I actually use Garlic Lovers from Alden Millhouse)
1 small onion
1/4 green bell pepper
1 can chickpeas
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper (I actually use Miracle Blend from Alden Mill house)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup flour
4 buns
lettuce
tomato


Aioli ingredients:2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp olive oil
1.  Peel the onion, cut into quarters and place in a food processor bowl. Cut the bell pepper piece into quarters and add them to the food processor bowl. Pulse food processor until onion and pepper are finely minced (not mushy). Place into a medium-size mixing bowl.

To make the Burgers:
1. Peel the onion, cut into quarters and place in a food processor bowl. Cut the bell pepper piece into quarters and add them to the food processor bowl. Pulse food processor until onion and pepper are finely minced (not mushy). Place into a medium-size mixing bowl.
2. Drain the liquid from the chickpeas (set aside, do not discard.) Pour chickpeas into the processor bowl. Add egg and 2 tbsp. of chickpea liquid. Process until chickpeas are chopped but still have texture. Add to the onion mixture.
3. Add bread crumbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl and stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Shape the mixture into patties
4. Spread the flour on a plate and dredge the chickpea patties lightly in it.
5. Heat the oil in a deep skillet. Add the patties and fry until golden brown.
6. Split the buns and lightly toast them in the toaster. Serve with lettuce, tomato and a dollop of the lemon aioli.

To make the aioli:
1. Place garlic in a 2 cup bowl. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the bowl.
2. Add the mayonnaise and oil and stir well to blend. Serve at once or refrigerate.
I don't make food to take pictures of it, so I stopped (a long time ago) taking pictures of my meals, but I promise you this is an excellent new take on your traditional burger!



---
I'm participating in a daily blog prompt through June with Reverb Broads. Join me!

Amendments

2
| Tuesday, June 5, 2012
June 5: Come up with a new constitutional amendment.


I'm a little fired up about politics right now (Wisconsin, Gay marriage, equal pay, the list goes on...), so I'm trying not to take this super seriously.

All persons must spend at least 1% of their day laughing.

Think about it. You have 1,440 minutes in a day. Doctors think you should sleep for 480 (8 hours) of those, leaving you with 960 minutes. If you laughed for 1 minute every hour you were at work (assuming 8 hours,) and then laughed nearly 2 minutes while at home, your day would be so much lighter.

Yes, there are times that it may be inappropriate to laugh, but laughter can cure so many things. Laughter makes us feel lighter, makes us see things in a new light and (according to Mark Twain, I think) is instant vacation.

We all have seen those inspirational quotes (either online, on boards, printed in offices, etc.) We should Live well. We should Love much. But most importantly, we should Laugh often.

Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
I'm trying to tell you something about my life,
Maybe give me insight between black and white.
And the best thing you've ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously,
It's only life, after all.
-------
I'm participating in a daily blog prompt group, Reverb Broads, through the month of June. Join me!

I totally forgot it was June...

0
| Monday, June 4, 2012
I was 100% planning on jumping back on the blogging bandwagon with June 1st, and the first of the Reverb Broads 2012 posts. And then all of a sudden it was June 4th. I'm still going to participate, just in a short version: catch-up style.

June 2: What gives you nightmares?

I used to say flying, because I used to have nightmares (of plane crashes, naturally) for the week leading up to my flight. Then I was hired as the Graduate Assistant for the College of Aviation at WMU in 2008...and that went out the window.
Meet Parker (the cat) and Ellie (the dog.) I love these two animals, but unfortunately, I can't always take them with me. Periodically I have to leave them, either alone or with friends, and I can't say I've had the best luck in that. Ellie has slashed her leg open, been very sick, and had a lot of vet visits around the times of our vacations. Parker has been lost (in the basement it turns out) and also seems to hate us after a vacation.
I'm getting ready to leave them - with one of my students at the end of June - again, and I can't say that the nightmares haven't started. I generally dream about my Condo burning down (which is not very rational, but is what happens,) but it always stems from leaving them alone.

June 3: Who are your role models?

I recently had this conversation with a colleague. It seems that a lot of people have mentors and role models, and it's not really anything that I ever latched on to - not necessarily because of disappointment, there just weren't people that I looked up to over a period of time.

I do, however, look up to my mom. She moved from Olympia, WA to Fernley, NV (and now has settled elsewhere) with my dad (and my brother and my sister) to start over. They've started a theater company and, while they've faced their (unequal) share of challenges, they keep pushing through. AND, through all of that, she has also found the time to take time out for herself and work towards some personal goals that I know mean a lot to her.

June 4: What did people tease you about growing up?


To be honest, my memory says that this list is endless. I did not fit in (not that this should surprise anyone.) I was a musical theater kid, with an awkward birthmark and a weird voice. I also had a boys name - what is there not to pick on there? I'll work through this backwards:

When I was growing up, the common girls name was Sarah (I can think of at least 4 that I went to school with since elementary school, but probably more than that.) It seemed that the common boys name (at the time) was Alex. Unfortunately, my first name is Alex, and I'm not a boy. I got teased about this - AND there was a boy in my class whose last name was only one letter off from mine, so that made the teasing a little bit more intense.

Ever since I could talk, I've had a "unique" voice. In my adult life, I've had people ask if I'm sick (Nope, this is always how I sound,) tell me it's a turn on (that's rather awkward, and no you can't buy me a drink,) and hang up on me on the phone, only to call back and say they couldn't understand me. In my young life, I only remember wishing I could clear my throat and be done with it.

When I was born, I had a tiny pink splotchy birthmark on the inside-lower part of my left arm. As the arm grew, so did the birthmark. As a child, it looked like a rash (sometimes, if I'm cold, it still does.) I had people tell me they didn't want to play with me because I was "sick" because of a rash...a rash that didn't really exist. For me, it was embarrassing, because it would flare up when I was cold (sometimes turning a deep, dark red instead of the usual light pink), so I'd wear long sleeves for as long as I could.

This post makes me feel like I hated my childhood - I didn't. I had a wonderful musical theater company that embraced me (birthmark, weird voice, name and all), and I made some of the best friends I'll ever have through that. But...it still makes me worry about what my children will go through; as we all know, childhood is not the easiest...

Moving (& what our space means to us)

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| Friday, May 18, 2012
We are really attached to stuff. I know that's not a very profound statement, but think about it: we are attached to lucky charms (although haven't seen anyone carrying a lucky rabbit's foot anytime recently), we're attached to houses (I remember being on the verge of tears when my childhood house was sold), and we're attached to certain rooms/pieces of furniture (Mine's a chair in my living room.)

Where does this attachment come from? It mostly comes from our comfort - we feel "lucky" (comfortable) because something good happened to us when we had that omen with us; we were comfortable in the house we grew up in, and we're comfortable in places that are safe for us.

Moving can be a thrilling experience. We get placed in a new location; this environment is charged with new energy, new experiences, and new ideas. I started the process of moving offices (I'm moving down eight offices by the middle of next week) today. As I started the very initial process of moving today, I received a lot of skepticism from passing students and staff.

As I talked about it (there are some really good reasons behind my move), everyone started to get on a better footing with it. I'm really excited about the move - as I cleaned my soon-to-be old office today, I found thank you letters from students who graduated last year. I found old program flyers, and I was given the opportunity to go back through conference notes from the last two years.

I'm very excited to move - while I will miss my space, I will have the opportunity to re-develop my office, re-organize, and re-claim that space.

When was the last time you fully embraced a change?
 

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