mobileCategory: potpourri
01/25/09 06:52 - 12ºF - ID#47515
i'm not such an ogre
I'm passionate about my work. I give it my all and I really think about situations before I act on them. I do my very best to keep my team motivated but also challenge them to grow. Many, many times over the last year and a half I have felt like a mean ogre.
While other people seemed more intent on having people 'like' them, I believed I would earn their trust and respect through leading by example. I cried so many times wondering if the tides would ever turn, or my kids just wanted me to be lax like everyone else.
Since the start of this semester I think the tide has finally turned! 'Problem children' have suddenly been responsive to my requests for conduct hearings, some residents are stopping by to tell me good things, not just list their problems, and today TWO people stopped by my office to give me something.
From one I got a hand carved wooden crocodile from Botswana, while she told me how much she appreciated that I stayed in contact with her while she was having a hard time and how much I helped her get back into school. The other got me this amazing painting from Tanzania, done on piece of burlap by a 10 year old! Just to say thanks for being her supervisor.
I am blown away. It seems in these moments when I really doubt myself I am given not just a ray of sunshine, but a blazing sun to blot out all the gray. It is the greatest motivator to continue doing what I'm doing and push through all these obstacles, because I can finally see I AM making a difference in these kids' lives. I love it!
On another note, thank you so much peeps for your very kind words on the previous post - I'm all smiles :)
While other people seemed more intent on having people 'like' them, I believed I would earn their trust and respect through leading by example. I cried so many times wondering if the tides would ever turn, or my kids just wanted me to be lax like everyone else.
Since the start of this semester I think the tide has finally turned! 'Problem children' have suddenly been responsive to my requests for conduct hearings, some residents are stopping by to tell me good things, not just list their problems, and today TWO people stopped by my office to give me something.
From one I got a hand carved wooden crocodile from Botswana, while she told me how much she appreciated that I stayed in contact with her while she was having a hard time and how much I helped her get back into school. The other got me this amazing painting from Tanzania, done on piece of burlap by a 10 year old! Just to say thanks for being her supervisor.
I am blown away. It seems in these moments when I really doubt myself I am given not just a ray of sunshine, but a blazing sun to blot out all the gray. It is the greatest motivator to continue doing what I'm doing and push through all these obstacles, because I can finally see I AM making a difference in these kids' lives. I love it!
On another note, thank you so much peeps for your very kind words on the previous post - I'm all smiles :)
Permalink: i_m_not_such_an_ogre.html
Words: 311
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: potpourri
01/22/09 07:15 - 26ºF - ID#47484
i am happy
I was thinking about it last night. My happiness. The fact that I am truly happy for the first time in a very loooooong time. I can only describe it as a constant giddy sensation as if I've just started dropping down the big hill on a roller coaster. Butterflies in my stomach, anticipation of the thrill ahead.....this is contentment.
Sometimes it makes me cry I'm so happy. I love when this happens because I feel so alive. SO ALIVE! Now I have to learn a new vocabulary just so I can adequately describe my feelings!
On a side note. If you have any special talents that you would like to contribute to a festivity (meaning our US reception) we'll be looking for volunteers in the near future :) (e:Lilho), you are hereby appointed "Official hair and make-up artist"!
Sometimes it makes me cry I'm so happy. I love when this happens because I feel so alive. SO ALIVE! Now I have to learn a new vocabulary just so I can adequately describe my feelings!
On a side note. If you have any special talents that you would like to contribute to a festivity (meaning our US reception) we'll be looking for volunteers in the near future :) (e:Lilho), you are hereby appointed "Official hair and make-up artist"!
Permalink: i_am_happy.html
Words: 140
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: food
01/20/09 07:41 - 17ºF - ID#47454
popcorn
It's all I can think about. All night, all day...I have an unstoppable hunger for popcorn! I think I need to duck out of work early to go buy some. I need it!
Permalink: popcorn.html
Words: 36
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: work
01/15/09 05:00 - 6ºF - ID#47413
frustrating
These are some of my regular frustrations with work.
Sigh. Off to get passport pages added. I filled mine up in 5 years!
- Working very hard to plan something in advance, getting it all down the the tiniest detail, then someone walking in and saying, "Oh yah, we're scrapping that".
- Working very hard to plan an event which you know you cannot attend, but everyone insisted it happens on that day. So you do it, and you do it very well. Every detail is taken care of, all they have to do on the day is have fun. But then without your presence apparently everyone forgets their very simple job and it becomes a huge mess. They do not take responsibility for it, they blame it all on you by saying, "Not my problem, I didn't plan it". Sigh.
- Having endless meetings about something, getting everyone in agreement about the actions your going to take in a large scale event. 2 months later someone walks in and says you did it all wrong and all the work you've already done has to be taken back, making you look like a complete tool.
- Being told something is a crisis, emergency, world is going to end situation - busting your ass to deal with it, only to find out it didn't really matter at all.
- Being on duty every time there is a holiday or birthday celebration resulting in me missing all the fun.
- Being told you're allowed to do things your way, then when you do them your way, being told you should do it their way, making you do double the work.
- People being incredibly ambiguous with information you really need in order to move forward on a project.
- Being told you can't get any programs or products to make your life SO much easier because you'll be moving into a new building in 2 years - 3 years ago - of which the building hasn't even broken ground yet - of which we'll not move into for at least 2 more years.
Sigh. Off to get passport pages added. I filled mine up in 5 years!
Permalink: frustrating.html
Words: 338
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: potpourri
01/14/09 08:24 - 3ºF - ID#47403
insomnia
My oh my I haven't been able to sleep much since I've been back. I'm having some kind of combined jet lag / Rory withdrawal syndrome. I am having real issues sleeping alone! Darn you conservative society.
Meep.
I did manage to fall asleep long enough last night (actually 4:30 this morning) to have a dream before the workers woke me up with their banging.
In my dream Rory proposed to me, but I was really confused because the ring was this huge pale purple amethyst surrounded by at least 3 dozen tiny diamonds. I mean it was HUGE. He did it at some kind of family function. It was noisy, and the floor was sticky, and there were so many people. I remember thinking, "OMG this ring is way too big and this is so not how I wanted it to happen". (Although I was entirely happy about him asking). Then I woke up feeling really guilty for having thought that in my dream, because honestly I'd be happy with anything.
I think I had the dream because he's been teasing me about how I don't know when, where or how it will happen. My requests were: not in front of family, not on a major holiday or event (ie birthdays etc), and that I would love a dark blue sapphire on a silver ring.
I can't wait until I get to share the real story of how it goes down!
Meep.
I did manage to fall asleep long enough last night (actually 4:30 this morning) to have a dream before the workers woke me up with their banging.
In my dream Rory proposed to me, but I was really confused because the ring was this huge pale purple amethyst surrounded by at least 3 dozen tiny diamonds. I mean it was HUGE. He did it at some kind of family function. It was noisy, and the floor was sticky, and there were so many people. I remember thinking, "OMG this ring is way too big and this is so not how I wanted it to happen". (Although I was entirely happy about him asking). Then I woke up feeling really guilty for having thought that in my dream, because honestly I'd be happy with anything.
I think I had the dream because he's been teasing me about how I don't know when, where or how it will happen. My requests were: not in front of family, not on a major holiday or event (ie birthdays etc), and that I would love a dark blue sapphire on a silver ring.
I can't wait until I get to share the real story of how it goes down!
Permalink: insomnia.html
Words: 239
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: potpourri
01/11/09 08:35 - 19ºF - ID#47363
we're back in do-hell
Back in Do-hell. This trip was hard to come back from. I think it was the freedom to hold Rory's hand in public, share a kiss if we felt like it, have a beer with dinner if we wanted to, and the blissful driving. I know some of you complain about it, but living here would drastically change your view. Also, finding shoes in MY size was nice.
I have a new nephew, Fox. My brother has already begun telling him that he must learn quickly if he's going to best his Auntie Mika in video games. Cute.
I got to meet some of Rory's closest friends and of course his family, except his dad. No one could say my name right twice :) It was a real whirlwind but we'll be back in February for much longer. Then I'll have a go at driving on the other side of the road. Once I do that I think I will have conquered global driving.
Rory asked my dad for his blessing/permission to marry me, while not necessary, was very sweet. Of course he said yes, although he seemed to be shocked and said something about how he never thought I'd get married because of all my traveling and that I'd never 'settle down'. Thanks dad ;)
I have to get back to work, loads to catch up on. Stay safe peeps, miss you already!
I have a new nephew, Fox. My brother has already begun telling him that he must learn quickly if he's going to best his Auntie Mika in video games. Cute.
I got to meet some of Rory's closest friends and of course his family, except his dad. No one could say my name right twice :) It was a real whirlwind but we'll be back in February for much longer. Then I'll have a go at driving on the other side of the road. Once I do that I think I will have conquered global driving.
Rory asked my dad for his blessing/permission to marry me, while not necessary, was very sweet. Of course he said yes, although he seemed to be shocked and said something about how he never thought I'd get married because of all my traveling and that I'd never 'settle down'. Thanks dad ;)
I have to get back to work, loads to catch up on. Stay safe peeps, miss you already!
Permalink: we_re_back_in_do_hell.html
Words: 235
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: potpourri
12/31/08 08:20 - 20ºF - ID#47224
NYE
We're heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeee!
See you tonight peeps!
See you tonight peeps!
Permalink: NYE.html
Words: 6
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: new year
12/28/08 02:56 - 63ºF - ID#47204
as 2009 rings in
On the eve of each New Year we often reflect on our lives. As I do this dear e-strippers, I wish you joy that never ends and happiness with all your family and friends.
Where were you when 2008 began?
At PMT's
Who were you with?
everyone
Where will you be when 2008 ends?
At PMT's
Whom will you be with when 2008 ends?
everyone!
Was 2008 a good year for you?
Really, very good! I met the love of my life.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
Exploring one of the Tomb Raider temples in Cambodia!
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
The night before I met Rory, I was really down on myself.
Did you reach your New Year 2008 goals?
Did you fall in love in 2008?
Absolutely! Madly and deeply.
Did you breakup with anyone in 2008?
No.
Did you make any new friends in 2008?
Yes.
What was your favorite month of 2008?
April, Rory :)
Did you travel outside of the US in 2008?
Qatar, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, Seychelles, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
How many different states did you travel to in 2008?
D.C., Florida
Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008?
No.
What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008?
Dark Knight
What was your favorite song in 2008?
Inni mer syngur vitleysingur by Sigur Ros
What was your favorite album in 2008?
Made of Bricks by Kate Nash
What was your proudest moment of 2008?
The day one of my staffers made the connection between her work and the real world. I felt very fulfilled in my work knowing at last my teaching is helping others blossom.
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
Breakfast the next morning with the roommates.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
I would have cleaned up better.
What are your goals for 2009?
Where were you when 2008 began?
At PMT's
Who were you with?
everyone
Where will you be when 2008 ends?
At PMT's
Whom will you be with when 2008 ends?
everyone!
Was 2008 a good year for you?
Really, very good! I met the love of my life.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
Exploring one of the Tomb Raider temples in Cambodia!
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
The night before I met Rory, I was really down on myself.
Did you reach your New Year 2008 goals?
- Visit family and friends around Europe - did it
- Paint my apartment - did it
- Get much better at guitar - oops
- Go camping in the desert - did it
- Go duning - did it
- Get SCUBA open water certified - did it
- Travel to Singapore, Cambodia, and China - one out of the three ain't bad
Did you fall in love in 2008?
Absolutely! Madly and deeply.
Did you breakup with anyone in 2008?
No.
Did you make any new friends in 2008?
Yes.
What was your favorite month of 2008?
April, Rory :)
Did you travel outside of the US in 2008?
Qatar, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, Seychelles, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
How many different states did you travel to in 2008?
D.C., Florida
Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008?
No.
What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008?
Dark Knight
What was your favorite song in 2008?
Inni mer syngur vitleysingur by Sigur Ros
What was your favorite album in 2008?
Made of Bricks by Kate Nash
What was your proudest moment of 2008?
The day one of my staffers made the connection between her work and the real world. I felt very fulfilled in my work knowing at last my teaching is helping others blossom.
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
Breakfast the next morning with the roommates.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
I would have cleaned up better.
What are your goals for 2009?
- Meet Rory's family and friends
- Finish my sailing course with minimal bruising
- Travel to Jordan, Singapore, Antarctica
- Present at the NASPA conference
- Increase my fitness level considerably
- Be the best supervisor I can be
- Marry the love of my life
Permalink: as_2009_rings_in.html
Words: 411
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Last Modified: 05/31/13 04:54
Category: potpourri
12/27/08 03:47 - 47ºF - ID#47195
christmas cookie hangover
OMG I ate so many cookies this Christmas I have an eternal sugar crash hangover!
Presents for home got wrapped last night, just have to figure out how to pack everything so it's not smashed to smitherines by the time we arrive statside.
I'm just so happy to be coming, and Rory is really looking forward to meeting you guys!
Ciao.
Presents for home got wrapped last night, just have to figure out how to pack everything so it's not smashed to smitherines by the time we arrive statside.
I'm just so happy to be coming, and Rory is really looking forward to meeting you guys!
Ciao.
Permalink: christmas_cookie_hangover.html
Words: 61
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Category: holidays
12/25/08 10:04 - 29ºF - ID#47179
happy christmas!
rory and I made loads of sweats for all our friends here. Many hours of messy fun later, I give you....coooooooooooookies. Rainbow chip, Ladycroft's cloud cookies, Mississippi mud cookies, Grandma's orange crispies, peanut butter snowballs, caramel fudge brownie cupcakes, and gingerbread cake. Oh, and home made hot spiced cider too!
It's already 6pm here so all of Santa's presents have been ripped open. I have a collection of odd things from the crew including a penguin in an egg, which I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to do with it. But, from my wonderful love I got many super cool toys!
A GPS so I can stop getting so lost in Doha! Awesome! It's actually waterproof and shock proof so you can take it sailing (has nautical measures), bike riding etc. I'm super stoked. It will come in handy to take to UK in February too when we have to go driving around to visit his dad and friends. Yah...it's going to be a real adventure driving roundabouts the other direction.
Anyhoo....my other big giftie that made me so happy is a Wii Fit!!! I got myself all measured up and it's not good. Got some weight to lose (not that I didn't know this). This will definitely be a little support buddy to keep me on my toes in a fun way. It's just the type of reinforcement I respond to as a gamer - you have to accumulate so much time in your piggy bank in order to unlock new activities etc. Plus you can set goals for weight loss over various periods of time. It has strength exercises, balance/posture, cardio, and yoga!
Here are some pics of Wii Fit
rory about to get measured
ski jump
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (or should I say wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii)
soccer goalie (harder than it looks!)
my dinky doha tree
HAPPY CHRISTMAS (E:PEEPS)!
It's already 6pm here so all of Santa's presents have been ripped open. I have a collection of odd things from the crew including a penguin in an egg, which I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to do with it. But, from my wonderful love I got many super cool toys!
A GPS so I can stop getting so lost in Doha! Awesome! It's actually waterproof and shock proof so you can take it sailing (has nautical measures), bike riding etc. I'm super stoked. It will come in handy to take to UK in February too when we have to go driving around to visit his dad and friends. Yah...it's going to be a real adventure driving roundabouts the other direction.
Anyhoo....my other big giftie that made me so happy is a Wii Fit!!! I got myself all measured up and it's not good. Got some weight to lose (not that I didn't know this). This will definitely be a little support buddy to keep me on my toes in a fun way. It's just the type of reinforcement I respond to as a gamer - you have to accumulate so much time in your piggy bank in order to unlock new activities etc. Plus you can set goals for weight loss over various periods of time. It has strength exercises, balance/posture, cardio, and yoga!
Here are some pics of Wii Fit
rory about to get measured
ski jump
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (or should I say wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii)
soccer goalie (harder than it looks!)
my dinky doha tree
HAPPY CHRISTMAS (E:PEEPS)!
Permalink: happy_christmas_.html
Words: 320
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
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hiking recovery 
Hummus ? 
Nephew's Art 
Spring Feelz 
Hello hello 
moz://a
'Cause, well, first off, they are green, and you aren't green... ;o)