What I learned on my sick day:
- No matter how strong the love, the last thing your partner wants to do at 6:30 in the morning is shine a flashlight down your throat.
- Everyone in the house has a routine. They do NOT want to be bothered, and you will get the look from the furry ones if you try to mess up their routine.
- How to properly throw a frisbee so that the dog will jump.
- #sachat is SUPER confusing when you have a cat on your lap and a partner trying to talk to you. Best participate in the quiet of your office.
- The doctor was nicer to you when you were a child. Now a sore throat gets prescribed horse pills.
- There is such a thing as "too much lemon."
- I am not a good sick person. I'm bored, and agitated and I get testy very quickly.
Dear body - please get better tonight. I do not want to do another day like this, (and neither does my family, even though they won't admit it.)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Lost
When I get super busy, I forget to blog. Here's a look at what has kept me busy...
[IIT Commencement, May 14, 2011]
My co-worker T and I were lucky enough to get to hand out lunches to the volunteers at Commencement this year. While it was great to be with someone I knew and see all of the staff, I'm hoping to be able to take a more active role next year, where I can interact with more students and help graduation on a larger scale.
[OSL Retreat, May 19, 2011]
My office may be small (2 Coordinators, 1 Director), but its always important to spend some time on professional developing and future goal planning. We closed the office for a few hours and did a communication assessment, discussed personal and office goals, made summer and 2011 - 2012 plans and then took some time out (with our loves!) to see a White Sox game! Our division did our retreat the following Monday, which was a great place to forecast our wonderful work from the previous week.
[Memorial Day Weekend!]
I took an extended vacation for Memorial Day (I'm getting better about using my benefits) and spent four glorious days up North with B's family. I got sunburned, but it absolutely revitalized my thoughts and put me back in my positivity place.
[Book Update!]
Resistance by Owen Sheers
* Funny story - the title "Resistance" was recommended to me, but when I placed it on my to-read list, I added the wrong version! This book was not recommended, but was a great alternative view to WWII.
How Full Is Your Bucket: Positive strategies for Work and Life by Tom Rath
* Great discussion about your interactions with others.
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
* Started this for a book club but could not get through it before the book club met. Interesting read, but not one I'd recommend or pass on...
[In Upcoming News...]
B and I have quite the busy summer ahead of us...some highlights (in case I forget!)
This weekend - concert
Next weekend - either Kalamazoo or lounging in Chicago
June 16 - concert in Grand Rapids
June 25 - to Wisconsin!
July 4 - 11 (tentatively) - up North for sun and a wedding
What are you up to this summer?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
#3best
I recently began using Twitter, mostly for professional development/networking/interaction/support. I'm loving what I am able to do with it, especially the # communities. For those of you not familiar, you can place a # with a phrase after it (#sachat, #3best) and it will "tag" that phrase. I always have #stuact and #sachat up, but I use a lot of other chats.
Days like today are the kind that I need to remind myself of my #3best (3 best parts about today.) Work related or otherwise, I think we all need a reminder (and some time to reflect) on our #3best daily.
1. I started my day off with a great conversation with one of those students who just GETS it.
2. I (along with the help of my awesome office staff, students included) got our storage room gutted, cleaned and our supplies ORGANIZED.
3. I found a weekend full of FREE activities for B and I to do (mostly me) this weekend, thanks to our TimeOutChicago (the best Groupon I've ever bought.)
Wishing I had that mentor to look to for advice right about now, but also knowing that I can pull through it.
*Because living in the Summer is easy, and it's living in the Winter that's hard. But we'll get through.* ~ Mark Joseph, Get Through
Days like today are the kind that I need to remind myself of my #3best (3 best parts about today.) Work related or otherwise, I think we all need a reminder (and some time to reflect) on our #3best daily.
1. I started my day off with a great conversation with one of those students who just GETS it.
2. I (along with the help of my awesome office staff, students included) got our storage room gutted, cleaned and our supplies ORGANIZED.
3. I found a weekend full of FREE activities for B and I to do (mostly me) this weekend, thanks to our TimeOutChicago (the best Groupon I've ever bought.)
Wishing I had that mentor to look to for advice right about now, but also knowing that I can pull through it.
*Because living in the Summer is easy, and it's living in the Winter that's hard. But we'll get through.* ~ Mark Joseph, Get Through
Saturday, May 7, 2011
April and May Heartbreak
While work-wise, the month of April flew by, April and May are and will be hard months.
My grandma, Collene, passed away April 29, 2010. It's already been a year and I still catch myself calling her number to talk. It seems that a lot of the family has been lost in these months. As my mother knows, my "memory" timeline is a little off, but in middle/high school, we also lost my Grandpa Schell, Grandpa Rex and Uncle John. This time of year I always get a little sappy (and yes, lonely, too.).
It's a little worse this year because it feels like I'm never going to get home and visit. While I did get to go home for Christmas this year, I was by myself (as we couldn't afford for Brandon to go, too,) and my guess is that, if I can even manage to go home during work's "down time" this summer, I'll be on my own, too. Hopefully I can swing a visit this time (our students are gone from May 16 until August,) and hopefully the family isn't too busy and we can actually enjoy the visit.
Hopefully the WHOLE family can be reunited and can be as ridiculous as always. Anyone know of any cheap routes to Nevada?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bragging rights...
When my co-worker T left back in November/December, she had wrapped up most of her "big" projects. One that she had been unable to wrap up was helping out our A Cappella group with their CD. This was QUITE the project, as she had been passed the project when my predecessor had left.
Yesterday, three HEAVY boxes arrived. I do spend most of the school year expecting large packages, but not right now. We peeked and...THE CD'S ARE FINALLY HERE!
They gave me one today (THANK YOU!) and I finally got the chance to listen to it this evening. This CD is amazing. They have three different groups (with three distinct, fantastic sounds) and the arrangements they have chosen (and arranged themselves on some) are amazing. So proud that these are my students and that I got to help them produce such a fantastic CD.
It's moments like that (bragging moments!) that remind me why I love my job SO much. Happy May, everyone!
Yesterday, three HEAVY boxes arrived. I do spend most of the school year expecting large packages, but not right now. We peeked and...THE CD'S ARE FINALLY HERE!
It's moments like that (bragging moments!) that remind me why I love my job SO much. Happy May, everyone!
Friday, April 22, 2011
TASTE
My job is REALLY cool. To be honest, there are some days that I have to remind myself of that, but then I head down to the Bog (our on-campus bar with a bowling alley) for a program, or we have a huge turnout for an event, and I get that physical reminder.
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Updates
So, after spending a good two months without updating this, I updated it AGAIN. I gave it a face-lift, changed the name, and decided I'm going to keep updating this. Starting with an update of my last few months...
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
- One of the organization's I work with hosted another campus for a "finance conference."
- Our student government association began the process of electing a new board (more to come...)
- I became a certified TIPS trainer.
March:
March brought quite a few challenges for us.
- I survived a WHOLE WEEK without my boss (who got to swim with the dolphins and touch the sting ray's in the Bahamas...)
- I had my final finance hearing of the semester with the finance group that I work with.
- We attended Brandon's uncles wedding in Canada.
- I learned to ski (AND didn't fall down.)
- I was given a glow in the dark tee-shirt and survived our Late Nite program
- Saw the election of a new Executive Board for our student government, including the first female Student Body President.
April:
April is busiest month for us. I'm hoping to make it go a little smoother next year, but overall it was excellent.
- I got a Tungle.me account.
- We survived the selling of 400 formal tickets.
- I got to get all dressed up and go out on the town with my co-workers (and 400 of our students).
- I had more banquet invitations than I could accept.
- I was awarded the NSBE Essence Inspiration Award for my guidance of our National Society of Black Engineer's Chapter.
- I will get to end this month with Brandon's brother's wedding [Congratulations Ryan and Christina.]
As I said, it's been a busy (but rewarding) last few months. I feel comfortable in my job, I'm loving the work (and personal) relationships I've developed with my co-workers, and I honestly could not ask for a better place to be starting my career in higher education than where I am right now. That being said, we have our challenges like everyone, but I'm loving the supportive environment I'm in. I hope you are enjoying where you are, as well.
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Sick Day...
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
What I learned on my sick day:
- No matter how strong the love, the last thing your partner wants to do at 6:30 in the morning is shine a flashlight down your throat.
- Everyone in the house has a routine. They do NOT want to be bothered, and you will get the look from the furry ones if you try to mess up their routine.
- How to properly throw a frisbee so that the dog will jump.
- #sachat is SUPER confusing when you have a cat on your lap and a partner trying to talk to you. Best participate in the quiet of your office.
- The doctor was nicer to you when you were a child. Now a sore throat gets prescribed horse pills.
- There is such a thing as "too much lemon."
- I am not a good sick person. I'm bored, and agitated and I get testy very quickly.
Dear body - please get better tonight. I do not want to do another day like this, (and neither does my family, even though they won't admit it.)
- No matter how strong the love, the last thing your partner wants to do at 6:30 in the morning is shine a flashlight down your throat.
- Everyone in the house has a routine. They do NOT want to be bothered, and you will get the look from the furry ones if you try to mess up their routine.
- How to properly throw a frisbee so that the dog will jump.
- #sachat is SUPER confusing when you have a cat on your lap and a partner trying to talk to you. Best participate in the quiet of your office.
- The doctor was nicer to you when you were a child. Now a sore throat gets prescribed horse pills.
- There is such a thing as "too much lemon."
- I am not a good sick person. I'm bored, and agitated and I get testy very quickly.
Dear body - please get better tonight. I do not want to do another day like this, (and neither does my family, even though they won't admit it.)
Lost
0
|
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
When I get super busy, I forget to blog. Here's a look at what has kept me busy...
[IIT Commencement, May 14, 2011]
My co-worker T and I were lucky enough to get to hand out lunches to the volunteers at Commencement this year. While it was great to be with someone I knew and see all of the staff, I'm hoping to be able to take a more active role next year, where I can interact with more students and help graduation on a larger scale.
[OSL Retreat, May 19, 2011]
My office may be small (2 Coordinators, 1 Director), but its always important to spend some time on professional developing and future goal planning. We closed the office for a few hours and did a communication assessment, discussed personal and office goals, made summer and 2011 - 2012 plans and then took some time out (with our loves!) to see a White Sox game! Our division did our retreat the following Monday, which was a great place to forecast our wonderful work from the previous week.
[Memorial Day Weekend!]
I took an extended vacation for Memorial Day (I'm getting better about using my benefits) and spent four glorious days up North with B's family. I got sunburned, but it absolutely revitalized my thoughts and put me back in my positivity place.
[Book Update!]
Resistance by Owen Sheers
* Funny story - the title "Resistance" was recommended to me, but when I placed it on my to-read list, I added the wrong version! This book was not recommended, but was a great alternative view to WWII.
How Full Is Your Bucket: Positive strategies for Work and Life by Tom Rath
* Great discussion about your interactions with others.
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
* Started this for a book club but could not get through it before the book club met. Interesting read, but not one I'd recommend or pass on...
[In Upcoming News...]
B and I have quite the busy summer ahead of us...some highlights (in case I forget!)
This weekend - concert
Next weekend - either Kalamazoo or lounging in Chicago
June 16 - concert in Grand Rapids
June 25 - to Wisconsin!
July 4 - 11 (tentatively) - up North for sun and a wedding
What are you up to this summer?
#3best
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Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I recently began using Twitter, mostly for professional development/networking/interaction/support. I'm loving what I am able to do with it, especially the # communities. For those of you not familiar, you can place a # with a phrase after it (#sachat, #3best) and it will "tag" that phrase. I always have #stuact and #sachat up, but I use a lot of other chats.
Days like today are the kind that I need to remind myself of my #3best (3 best parts about today.) Work related or otherwise, I think we all need a reminder (and some time to reflect) on our #3best daily.
1. I started my day off with a great conversation with one of those students who just GETS it.
2. I (along with the help of my awesome office staff, students included) got our storage room gutted, cleaned and our supplies ORGANIZED.
3. I found a weekend full of FREE activities for B and I to do (mostly me) this weekend, thanks to our TimeOutChicago (the best Groupon I've ever bought.)
Wishing I had that mentor to look to for advice right about now, but also knowing that I can pull through it.
*Because living in the Summer is easy, and it's living in the Winter that's hard. But we'll get through.* ~ Mark Joseph, Get Through
Days like today are the kind that I need to remind myself of my #3best (3 best parts about today.) Work related or otherwise, I think we all need a reminder (and some time to reflect) on our #3best daily.
1. I started my day off with a great conversation with one of those students who just GETS it.
2. I (along with the help of my awesome office staff, students included) got our storage room gutted, cleaned and our supplies ORGANIZED.
3. I found a weekend full of FREE activities for B and I to do (mostly me) this weekend, thanks to our TimeOutChicago (the best Groupon I've ever bought.)
Wishing I had that mentor to look to for advice right about now, but also knowing that I can pull through it.
*Because living in the Summer is easy, and it's living in the Winter that's hard. But we'll get through.* ~ Mark Joseph, Get Through
April and May Heartbreak
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Saturday, May 7, 2011
While work-wise, the month of April flew by, April and May are and will be hard months.
My grandma, Collene, passed away April 29, 2010. It's already been a year and I still catch myself calling her number to talk. It seems that a lot of the family has been lost in these months. As my mother knows, my "memory" timeline is a little off, but in middle/high school, we also lost my Grandpa Schell, Grandpa Rex and Uncle John. This time of year I always get a little sappy (and yes, lonely, too.).
It's a little worse this year because it feels like I'm never going to get home and visit. While I did get to go home for Christmas this year, I was by myself (as we couldn't afford for Brandon to go, too,) and my guess is that, if I can even manage to go home during work's "down time" this summer, I'll be on my own, too. Hopefully I can swing a visit this time (our students are gone from May 16 until August,) and hopefully the family isn't too busy and we can actually enjoy the visit.
Hopefully the WHOLE family can be reunited and can be as ridiculous as always. Anyone know of any cheap routes to Nevada?
Bragging rights...
0
|
Thursday, May 5, 2011
When my co-worker T left back in November/December, she had wrapped up most of her "big" projects. One that she had been unable to wrap up was helping out our A Cappella group with their CD. This was QUITE the project, as she had been passed the project when my predecessor had left.
Yesterday, three HEAVY boxes arrived. I do spend most of the school year expecting large packages, but not right now. We peeked and...THE CD'S ARE FINALLY HERE!
They gave me one today (THANK YOU!) and I finally got the chance to listen to it this evening. This CD is amazing. They have three different groups (with three distinct, fantastic sounds) and the arrangements they have chosen (and arranged themselves on some) are amazing. So proud that these are my students and that I got to help them produce such a fantastic CD.
It's moments like that (bragging moments!) that remind me why I love my job SO much. Happy May, everyone!
Yesterday, three HEAVY boxes arrived. I do spend most of the school year expecting large packages, but not right now. We peeked and...THE CD'S ARE FINALLY HERE!
It's moments like that (bragging moments!) that remind me why I love my job SO much. Happy May, everyone!
TASTE
0
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Friday, April 22, 2011
My job is REALLY cool. To be honest, there are some days that I have to remind myself of that, but then I head down to the Bog (our on-campus bar with a bowling alley) for a program, or we have a huge turnout for an event, and I get that physical reminder.
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Updates
0
|
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
So, after spending a good two months without updating this, I updated it AGAIN. I gave it a face-lift, changed the name, and decided I'm going to keep updating this. Starting with an update of my last few months...
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
- One of the organization's I work with hosted another campus for a "finance conference."
- Our student government association began the process of electing a new board (more to come...)
- I became a certified TIPS trainer.
March:
March brought quite a few challenges for us.
- I survived a WHOLE WEEK without my boss (who got to swim with the dolphins and touch the sting ray's in the Bahamas...)
- I had my final finance hearing of the semester with the finance group that I work with.
- We attended Brandon's uncles wedding in Canada.
- I learned to ski (AND didn't fall down.)
- I was given a glow in the dark tee-shirt and survived our Late Nite program
- Saw the election of a new Executive Board for our student government, including the first female Student Body President.
April:
April is busiest month for us. I'm hoping to make it go a little smoother next year, but overall it was excellent.
- I got a Tungle.me account.
- We survived the selling of 400 formal tickets.
- I got to get all dressed up and go out on the town with my co-workers (and 400 of our students).
- I had more banquet invitations than I could accept.
- I was awarded the NSBE Essence Inspiration Award for my guidance of our National Society of Black Engineer's Chapter.
- I will get to end this month with Brandon's brother's wedding [Congratulations Ryan and Christina.]
As I said, it's been a busy (but rewarding) last few months. I feel comfortable in my job, I'm loving the work (and personal) relationships I've developed with my co-workers, and I honestly could not ask for a better place to be starting my career in higher education than where I am right now. That being said, we have our challenges like everyone, but I'm loving the supportive environment I'm in. I hope you are enjoying where you are, as well.
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