Meritt, who had a blog everyone should read (even if she is a bit conservative ;-) ), has entered a 'dream job' contest.
Housewife Barbie dream vacation video entry
Everyone should take a wander over to her blog and watch her presentation and then vote! often!
In other news, Sarah had decided that she wants to be a cheerleader for Halloween. I decided that I could make her costume rather than buy it. And Sarah gets to help. WHAT HAVE I DONE!!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fate??
Yesterday, I saw the Dean who didn't hire me the other week. Thankfully, I knew in advance that he was going to be at the lunch I was organizing. I ended up running into him in the back hall and we were able to chat.
I said hello and asked how he was settling in (he's a new arrival at the University). He indicated he recognized me but wasn't sure why. I told him that I'd interviewed with him and I was the unsuccessful candidate.
I was impressed when he told me that someone from the committee should chat with me. We decided to just chat then rather than later.
Turns out that there were lots of applicants (about 18), and only two people interviewed. It basically boiled down to I had lots of things R didn't have (but he wouldn't elaborate in fairness to R.(?)), she had experience in the one skill I had knowledge of and her undergrad degree was engineering, I'd only worked with them for 15 years.
They spent almost a week debating the direction I could take them vs. R and finally decided on her.
We've left the door open for future employment.
I'm glad I didn't have to face this last week, I wasn't ready. But, this week I could be perfectly upbeat about not getting the job because I am. When it's time for me to work full time, it will show up. In the meantime, I'll just keep plugging along!
I do feel better knowing that it was only two of us seriously considered and took almost a week to decide. At 2nd choice I can feel better. And I've been in the situation of trying to decided between two people we'd hirer in a heartbeat and discussing the this direction vs. that direction. We solved that one by a coin toss. Sometimes it's just that close.
AND, I never would have called the Dean to ask about the results so running into him to tell me was even better because now he holds a positive impression of me and I got to hear 'his version' rather than the faculty member who was on the committee. And, he wants to think about applying for a grant like the one we've held and wants to chat about it.
I said hello and asked how he was settling in (he's a new arrival at the University). He indicated he recognized me but wasn't sure why. I told him that I'd interviewed with him and I was the unsuccessful candidate.
I was impressed when he told me that someone from the committee should chat with me. We decided to just chat then rather than later.
Turns out that there were lots of applicants (about 18), and only two people interviewed. It basically boiled down to I had lots of things R didn't have (but he wouldn't elaborate in fairness to R.(?)), she had experience in the one skill I had knowledge of and her undergrad degree was engineering, I'd only worked with them for 15 years.
They spent almost a week debating the direction I could take them vs. R and finally decided on her.
We've left the door open for future employment.
I'm glad I didn't have to face this last week, I wasn't ready. But, this week I could be perfectly upbeat about not getting the job because I am. When it's time for me to work full time, it will show up. In the meantime, I'll just keep plugging along!
I do feel better knowing that it was only two of us seriously considered and took almost a week to decide. At 2nd choice I can feel better. And I've been in the situation of trying to decided between two people we'd hirer in a heartbeat and discussing the this direction vs. that direction. We solved that one by a coin toss. Sometimes it's just that close.
AND, I never would have called the Dean to ask about the results so running into him to tell me was even better because now he holds a positive impression of me and I got to hear 'his version' rather than the faculty member who was on the committee. And, he wants to think about applying for a grant like the one we've held and wants to chat about it.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
When things go south, they go badly
Last night, the girls had ice skating. Today was test day. Sarah was pumped because she was starting to really get the skills. Then, her buddy passed the skills test and she didn't. OH Boy the tears. Her friend was so sweet, she was ready to give her skating patch back so she and Sarah would not have passed yet. Sarah is so close, she just needs to master two things. Thankfully Sydney didn't pass her skills either.
So, then we went to the fair to see how Sarah, DH and I did on our entries. Sarah entered some poems (Cinquians she wrote about the grandparents), her alien sculpture, the ceramic tile, and a skirt she painted (which I knew wasn't her best work, but I could NOT convince her that she would have an easier time decorating a T-shirt and not a skirt).
Sydney entered a skirt she painted (we replaced the one she did with Sarah with one she did earlier that was nicer), a ceramic tile, and her princess in a pool sculpture. She was suppose to be entered in the 5-6 y.o. mini exhibitor who were not judged, but got participation ribbons.
DH entered the mantle clock he made me for Christmas and I entered four photos.
First we checked out DH's clock and one of my pics. DH got blue ribbon, best of show, and the Adult Gold which makes him eligible to send it to the state fair. My one pic took 6th, prize through 8th.
Then we went to see Sarah's. He poems got 2nd, everything was good. Her sculpture third, still happy. Then we saw Sydney's tile in the entries with a 2nd place ribbon. Yep, someone put Syd's entries in the judging area. Her three entries bested Sarah by one place. Sydney got three 2nd place ribbons and Sarah got three 3rds and the 2nd for the only thing Sydney didn't also enter. And, to add insult to injury, they ran out of third place ribbons and one of hers only had a note.
Sarah was devastated.
I'm seriously thinking about telling DH that we should sign Sarah up for skating for the session that starts Sept 4th. We usually wait until after Soccer, but she's not doing dance this fall and I think if I can get her back on the ice quickly rather than in Nov she'll remember what she's been working on and will pass quickly. I'm afraid if we give her time, she'll backslide.
I guess at some point we have to find out how they made the mistake with Sydney. We need to make sure it's not made next year. If we had know that Sydney would have been judged, we would not have let them enter so many things in the same category. I hope today is a better day.
As for me, my other photos got two 3rds and a participation ribbon. I was pretty impressed because in some of the photography stuff, there are a ton of pictures entered. But, my heart breaks for Sarah.
Thankfully, she enjoyed the rides and games.
*le sigh*
So, then we went to the fair to see how Sarah, DH and I did on our entries. Sarah entered some poems (Cinquians she wrote about the grandparents), her alien sculpture, the ceramic tile, and a skirt she painted (which I knew wasn't her best work, but I could NOT convince her that she would have an easier time decorating a T-shirt and not a skirt).
Sydney entered a skirt she painted (we replaced the one she did with Sarah with one she did earlier that was nicer), a ceramic tile, and her princess in a pool sculpture. She was suppose to be entered in the 5-6 y.o. mini exhibitor who were not judged, but got participation ribbons.
DH entered the mantle clock he made me for Christmas and I entered four photos.
First we checked out DH's clock and one of my pics. DH got blue ribbon, best of show, and the Adult Gold which makes him eligible to send it to the state fair. My one pic took 6th, prize through 8th.
Then we went to see Sarah's. He poems got 2nd, everything was good. Her sculpture third, still happy. Then we saw Sydney's tile in the entries with a 2nd place ribbon. Yep, someone put Syd's entries in the judging area. Her three entries bested Sarah by one place. Sydney got three 2nd place ribbons and Sarah got three 3rds and the 2nd for the only thing Sydney didn't also enter. And, to add insult to injury, they ran out of third place ribbons and one of hers only had a note.
Sarah was devastated.
I'm seriously thinking about telling DH that we should sign Sarah up for skating for the session that starts Sept 4th. We usually wait until after Soccer, but she's not doing dance this fall and I think if I can get her back on the ice quickly rather than in Nov she'll remember what she's been working on and will pass quickly. I'm afraid if we give her time, she'll backslide.
I guess at some point we have to find out how they made the mistake with Sydney. We need to make sure it's not made next year. If we had know that Sydney would have been judged, we would not have let them enter so many things in the same category. I hope today is a better day.
As for me, my other photos got two 3rds and a participation ribbon. I was pretty impressed because in some of the photography stuff, there are a ton of pictures entered. But, my heart breaks for Sarah.
Thankfully, she enjoyed the rides and games.
*le sigh*
Friday, August 15, 2008
Various
While driving around my town, I've been listening to "French Women Don't Get Fat" on CD. I'm really enjoying it. Her information is pretty basic and common sense. The bottom line is: everything in moderation, know your trigger points, and you need to balance the amount coming in (food) with the energy expended (exercise/movement). After 20 odd years of watching what I'm doing, I have a pretty good idea of what to do. I've done weight watchers on and off for the past 10 years. My weight hasn't changed much with the exception of the years I was doing sprint triathlons and was swimming three mornings a week, running 3-5 days a week, and doing aerobics/weight training 3-5 times a week. Even with all of that, I was only a solid size 12. I'd love a 10, would be satisfied with a 12. Oh yea, did I mentioned that I then met DH and spent more time going out than at the gym?
I think for me, I'd do ok if only I could force myself to plan my meals and document, document, document. I've not really done that part well. But, I digress.
I've been enjoying this book because she talks so much about the different cultures she has lived in (French and U.S.), about her journey. I may have to look at the book in it's traditional form to see if she includes recipes.
But, I'm doing this a bit in preparation for September. Yesterday was my last day working for the institute. 10 hours of my work week, and the one that caused me the most stress, ended. OK, we had a visitor in town on one of my jobs and so I didn't have time to train the new person - so I have to go in for a while today.
Next week I have the girls at home with me, the week after is orientation so I will start everything in earnst on the Tuesday after labor day (shoot, I have to prep everything for the start of the semester!! My students will expect class stuff).
Anyway, I won't be at the office as much which means I have to set the house up for eating. I will join the gym for Sept so I can do weights. And, I will see if losing some of the stress in my life, having more time to myself, and a better plan means I can FINALLY fit in my favorite jeans from 13 years ago that I wore once after Sydney was born before the PTSD resulted in my oreo obsession.
Anyone want to join me? I could always someone to discuss ideas for menu plans!
I think for me, I'd do ok if only I could force myself to plan my meals and document, document, document. I've not really done that part well. But, I digress.
I've been enjoying this book because she talks so much about the different cultures she has lived in (French and U.S.), about her journey. I may have to look at the book in it's traditional form to see if she includes recipes.
But, I'm doing this a bit in preparation for September. Yesterday was my last day working for the institute. 10 hours of my work week, and the one that caused me the most stress, ended. OK, we had a visitor in town on one of my jobs and so I didn't have time to train the new person - so I have to go in for a while today.
Next week I have the girls at home with me, the week after is orientation so I will start everything in earnst on the Tuesday after labor day (shoot, I have to prep everything for the start of the semester!! My students will expect class stuff).
Anyway, I won't be at the office as much which means I have to set the house up for eating. I will join the gym for Sept so I can do weights. And, I will see if losing some of the stress in my life, having more time to myself, and a better plan means I can FINALLY fit in my favorite jeans from 13 years ago that I wore once after Sydney was born before the PTSD resulted in my oreo obsession.
Anyone want to join me? I could always someone to discuss ideas for menu plans!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Poll, of sorts
In comments let me know:
a) Olympics should be all about the events, show me as much as possible and talking should only be post event interviews
b) I love the up close and personals, the balance is nice.
c) Olympics?
d) ticky box.
a) Olympics should be all about the events, show me as much as possible and talking should only be post event interviews
b) I love the up close and personals, the balance is nice.
c) Olympics?
d) ticky box.
Friday, August 08, 2008
School shopping Internet syle
This week, we got the letters with teacher assignments. Sydney will end up separated from many of her friends next year, but with half day kindergarten, and most of her friends requesting morning, I knew they would be. Sydney has afternoon.
Sarah didn't get her favorite third grade teacher, but all the teachers are really good and I understand that hers is no exception. She tells great stories and really challenges the kids.
Sydney's teacher is high energy, lots of fun, and keeps lots of order.
So, knowing that school is a few weeks off, it was time to start ordering "First Day of School" outfits. It's a tradition in our family that no matter how many clothes we already own, we always buy one or two news outfits (for reasons I don't understand, our school system has a afternoon only day on the first day so it almost feels like we have two first days).
So, I usually spend a couple of days roaming around the websites we typically buy clothes from finding the options, then sit down with the girls and let them shop. It's fun watching the girls taste in clothes evolve. FINALLY, Sydney is starting to chose what she likes rather than what Sarah chose. I did start having them shop with my alone than together.
Yesterday morning, Sydney chose a pair of shoes and a pair of boots that she fell in LOVE with. When I went to order them last night, I discovered that they were out of her size. I had fun trying to determine what size shoe she wears. She was asleep when I tried to check but amazingly enough I was able to put shoes on and off her feet and finally printed the shoe size sheet and put her foot on it - and she never woke up!!
Sarah didn't get her favorite third grade teacher, but all the teachers are really good and I understand that hers is no exception. She tells great stories and really challenges the kids.
Sydney's teacher is high energy, lots of fun, and keeps lots of order.
So, knowing that school is a few weeks off, it was time to start ordering "First Day of School" outfits. It's a tradition in our family that no matter how many clothes we already own, we always buy one or two news outfits (for reasons I don't understand, our school system has a afternoon only day on the first day so it almost feels like we have two first days).
So, I usually spend a couple of days roaming around the websites we typically buy clothes from finding the options, then sit down with the girls and let them shop. It's fun watching the girls taste in clothes evolve. FINALLY, Sydney is starting to chose what she likes rather than what Sarah chose. I did start having them shop with my alone than together.
Yesterday morning, Sydney chose a pair of shoes and a pair of boots that she fell in LOVE with. When I went to order them last night, I discovered that they were out of her size. I had fun trying to determine what size shoe she wears. She was asleep when I tried to check but amazingly enough I was able to put shoes on and off her feet and finally printed the shoe size sheet and put her foot on it - and she never woke up!!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Mea Culpa
It has been pointed out to me that I failed to update y'all on the outcome of Monday's activities.
Well, I started running. I'm still at the run 30-90 steps, walk 30-90 steps phase, but today I did this to and from campus. With my extra time, I should be able to manage training a few times a week.
Yes, I will have extra time. I told 'unofficial boss' first. And, in one of *those* moments, I decided to tell boss personally. He didn't deserve it, but in the interest. . . . .I did. I gave my two week notice for project number 1. This was the project I really hated. I also gave my notice for the other project- but will continue until the proposal is turned in at the end of Oct. We just have so much going on that feel it's only fair to not desert the project.
I did give Sarah as the official reason.
I also talked with the guy who left the project a year ago. He was a bit surprised to learn that "everyone found me difficult to work with," which made me feel good.
So, I'm going to try to finish up some of my projects, work on handing off others. I'm going to continue to working on the third grant. So, for the next two weeks, I will work on all three grants, then until October I will work the two grants (20 hours) and teach, then after that I will be down to one 8 hour job and teaching.
So, soon I will have no excuses not to keep the house clean, dinner nice and organized, and to exercise regularly.
I did spend a bit of time trying to reconcile myself to being at home again rather than working. I know I'm lucky to have the ability to work just enough to keep my foot in the door. This is important because if some we win some of the larger scale proposals that have included some administrative support, I can be added without too much trouble.
Last night, a friend and I celebrated. She made margaritas and a wonderful Spanikopita using mixed greens from the veggie guy. We watched a very funny and cheesy movie called "The Librarian, Quest for the Spear." We decided we really should have had wine with that much cheese. The cast was wonderful - Noah Wylie, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtain, Olivia Dukakus.
Well, I started running. I'm still at the run 30-90 steps, walk 30-90 steps phase, but today I did this to and from campus. With my extra time, I should be able to manage training a few times a week.
Yes, I will have extra time. I told 'unofficial boss' first. And, in one of *those* moments, I decided to tell boss personally. He didn't deserve it, but in the interest. . . . .I did. I gave my two week notice for project number 1. This was the project I really hated. I also gave my notice for the other project- but will continue until the proposal is turned in at the end of Oct. We just have so much going on that feel it's only fair to not desert the project.
I did give Sarah as the official reason.
I also talked with the guy who left the project a year ago. He was a bit surprised to learn that "everyone found me difficult to work with," which made me feel good.
So, I'm going to try to finish up some of my projects, work on handing off others. I'm going to continue to working on the third grant. So, for the next two weeks, I will work on all three grants, then until October I will work the two grants (20 hours) and teach, then after that I will be down to one 8 hour job and teaching.
So, soon I will have no excuses not to keep the house clean, dinner nice and organized, and to exercise regularly.
I did spend a bit of time trying to reconcile myself to being at home again rather than working. I know I'm lucky to have the ability to work just enough to keep my foot in the door. This is important because if some we win some of the larger scale proposals that have included some administrative support, I can be added without too much trouble.
Last night, a friend and I celebrated. She made margaritas and a wonderful Spanikopita using mixed greens from the veggie guy. We watched a very funny and cheesy movie called "The Librarian, Quest for the Spear." We decided we really should have had wine with that much cheese. The cast was wonderful - Noah Wylie, Bob Newhart, Jane Curtain, Olivia Dukakus.
Monday, August 04, 2008
The realization and solution
I figured some of it out.
I've been trying to figure out what has changed this year - why did I not mind my job the first few years, and dread it now? The B was the same, but something else obviously changed.
I realized what it was for both the jobs.
About a year ago, one of the co-directors for the institute quit the project because he was tired of not being respected. He did so by throwing a spectacular email tantrum. Now, to his credit, most of what he said was VERY true. On a side note, the B forwarded this email to all his students (they should never be included in faculty issues) as he way of alerting them to his leaving the project and another grant. Now, this guy wasn't as involved in the grant because he and B fought over control but he was part of the institute. B was great at finding the funding opportunities, M was great at finding the heart - the things you do because it is the right thing to do even if it doesn't make money and sometimes costs it. The focus of the institute shifted from being a well rounded organization to being "how much money can we make."
I stopped liking it. I wasn't go at doing activities I don't believe in, I couldn't just produce a product I didn't think had value or a market that would buy it. As my "failure to produce" on the one project existed - the perception became that I wasn't producing in either project.
The other project was a different ball of wax. I've done more to run the project than an other individual. I would determine what needed to be done and many times make sure someone was doing it. I had very little support and even less thanks or appreciation.
So, now I understand why.
Now that I understand why, I can better prepare what to say. After all, I truly know that telling the truth will not help anything. I'm thinking that I may just say that I'm cutting back my workload because Sarah needs me more (which is true). If pushed about why I'm leaving these projects, I'll start with "I'm ready for a new challenge." I think that will allow the graceful exit.
I did tell my "new boss" that I'm making a change. She thought that it was a big loss for the other projects, but was really glad I was going to stick with her. I didn't tell her that there are some who wouldn't view it as anything big.
I did tell my "new boss" that I'm making a change. She thought that it was a big loss for the other projects, but was really glad I was going to stick with her. I didn't tell her that there are some who wouldn't view it as anything big.
I've done the "not really working" thing before. I'm getting comfortable with the idea of doing it again. I just found out a friend is taking over our local dance studio, and is going to relocate it and expand it to include a gymnastics gym - something we have REALLY missed over the past 4 years. I've told her that I'm willing to help any way she needs. If I'm only working a little, I'll have time to do that.
So that is where my brain is! Better than the other day. Now to reconcile myself to not having a reason for my house to be a mess or my dinners not to be organized.
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