WIGGIFIED

Smallish Update

2012-01-05T13:05:00.002-05:00

With the turn of the new year, I finally found my way back into work. I took an internship with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission- a group aimed at bringing big-time sporting events to Cleveland to boost economic growth in the city. More specifically, I'll be working with the Gay Games (in Cleveland in 2014). No, the internship isn't where I had intended to land professionally, but it's something and I'll gain a lot of good skills and networking opportunities.

So yesterday was my first day. Nothing terribly important happened yesterday during the regular work day. What was particularly noteworthy was my experience with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). With this internship I am practically making zero beans.... and as such, I opted for the economical route of public transit. Now... my last experience with said transit was a big yellow bus picking me up at the end of the street and taking me directly to school. There was no coordinating of stop locations. There was no need to find a place to purchase a pass to ride, or even park the car. The bus just showed up, I got on, and went to school.

Getting on was relatively simple. Saw the bus, stepped on, stumbled awkwardly through scanning my pass, and took a seat. Where do I sit? Is this a "regular's" seat? Will they judge me for taking their seat? ::Insert 'Seat's takin'' and 'Can't sit here':: I settled in and looked out the window. This is nice. I can relax. Boy, I'm glad I'm not driving. I hate rush hour traffic. Wait, when did we get on the freeway? As we approached the city I started to watch for the stop I was supposed to get off at. I searched for landmarks and familiarity in the city. I know the city, somewhat well- enough to fake it- but was completely nervous I was going to be late/miss my stop. I panicked. I got off near Public Square. Close enough. I walked a block and got the building. Relative success.

Like I said, the day was easy. Got the email set up, poked around the old intern's files, and attended a marketing/advertising meeting. In order to be successful in my attempt to get home, I ducked out 10 minutes early.

Here's a quick rundown of what transpired:

At the corner of Euclid and (unnamed street) I see the 77F bus pulling up to the stop (I thought I had to get on) at Ontario and W Superior
I start running down S Roadway in an attempt to get on the bus.
Here, the bus that had temporarily stopped has now started moving and goes past me. I start running toward it, back up Ontario.
I come up the bus as it's stopped at S. Roadway and Ontario. I gesture to the bus driver that I need to get on. He points to the stop further up on Ontario. I see the 77F sign on the light post and make a b-line for the stop.
I am the last one in line and the last on the bus.

I couldn't figure out how, if I had left work early, I almost missed the bus. Turns out I was following the wrong route/stop on the little time schedule. Luckily, there were two good samaritans in front of me who were gracious enough to educate me on the proper way to read a bus schedule and reminded me that I was going South at this point and needed to look for different cues to get off the bus (this hadn't dawned on me).

Long story, short, I made it to and from work with relative success. That's all that really matters, right?

Threw in the towel...

2011-11-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

on PA. Stupid state. We poured our hopes and dreams into you and you failed us... especially considering you called me 2 weeks after we moved. But in all reality we needed it. We need to move to PA to prove it wasn't for us. Turns out we're more suburbanites than we thought.

So we took another plunge and moved back to Ohio and in with my parents.

In the first two weeks of being back, JP landed two jobs- one doing OGT test prep for a local school district and the second doing ACT test prep/general math tutoring about 4 nights a week. Things moved considerably faster than we had anticipated, but are happy with his progress so far.

As for me, I have several prospects and since being back, have had 2 promising interviews with one school... AND a phone interview scheduled for later this week at another.

I also managed to get myself involved with a flag football league, to which I got my keester kicked each Sunday. It was fun. But maybe not my cup of tea. Not too sure I'm cut out for physical contact.

At any rate. We're in Cleveland. And I couldn't be any happier. Pittsburgh served its purpose... but Cleveland's where it's at.

My life in a nutshell... literally

2011-06-23T10:59:00.002-04:00

[credit]

Just out of reach. I see it. I know it's there. But there's something always in the way. The better cover letter. The better experience with budgeting. The school with the posting for the job where you've been subbing for the last five months. Knowing someone in your desired field to get your foot in the door.

And the unfortunate thing is that the door you've been searching for is the one allows you to complete some of the goals you've set for yourself. And I know that considering the circumstances that some of these won't happen in the next year or so, but God help me if I don't have an opportunity to start chipping away at them.

So people I come across tell you to stay positive. That something will eventually happen. Yes, eventually something will happen, duh. It's like telling people who are looking for something that that particular item will be "in the last place you look." Well no shit. I'm not going to keep looking for something I've already found now am I?

But over 365 days later of literally nothing and we're back at square one. Do we stay, do we go? JP and I (more me than him I suppose) have become jaded to the whole process. It's come to a point where I see a job that I could apply for and it stays there, on my screen in an open tab, for almost a week- maybe more. Eh. If it's there when I'm ready to apply for it, I was meant to apply for it. If not, oh well. Apathetic. I'll get to it if I get to it.

How did this all happen? I used to be so gung-ho! about tackling projects, issues, and challenges.

Where are the classes in college that teach graduates how to cope with the dreary state of the economy and prospect that nearly 85% of graduates are back living at home and working at a part-time job? And so continues the cycle of over-educated individuals with zero experience. But what are you to do? If payments on the gigantic loans are to start six months post-graduation, and said graduate doesn't have a job substantial enough to support loan payments and cost of living, what are they to do? Go back to school? Sure- but that only perpetuates the cycle of an over-educated and under-experienced work force.

ETA: Case and Point about college graduates and job outlook.... [even noted is a Pittsburgh grad] And the "point" article stating that individuals in education are more likely to find a job is a load of malarkey if they have aspirations of teaching in a mid-west state with idiots for governors.

Moving On?

2011-06-09T13:07:00.000-04:00

So what happens when you ditch independence and slow Southeastern Ohio life to move in with your in-laws and it turns out to be a complete bust?
After a year (next week) of living with my gracious in-laws, pursuing the "land of opportunities" in PA, and literally come up with nothing (pending final budget cuts- thank you ~~JACKASS~~ Tom Corbett), JP and I are starting to look outside the bubble of Pittsburgh. What was supposed to be an easy transition where after one year of subbing would land a full-time job and shortly thereafter something for me, nothing.
Nothing. Zip. Nadda. Zilch.

This is something I've always struggled with. I plan. I research. I plan some more. Make calculated decisions to set myself up for the greatest successess. And after taking a leap of faith last year, I, in no way, ever thought I'd be posting about failure. I don't fail. It doesn't happen. I plan and research for a reason. I hate feeling unsettled. Lost. Undervalued.

JP keepts saying, "We just have an 'I,' we're incomplete. We don't have an 'F,' we just haven't finished yet." God love him for his positive ways.

The Results... 03:02:43....

2011-05-17T08:19:00.000-04:00

So I finished the thing in three hours, two minutes, and forty three seconds. This was about 15-20 slower than I had anticipated, but I did not anticipate such crazy hills, so.

But, here are some neat things to think about.... Here's my official timing stats...


Image courtesy of Active.com

My overall placement: 8171

This means I beat just over 10,000 runners. Sure, most of them were full marathon runners, but who's really counting?

My rank among women: 4895

This means I beat 673 women in the 1/2 marathon. Okay... not toooooo shabby?

My rank among women 25-29: 118

Of the 10 girls in the 25-29 age range I had the second fastest time. The rank can be a bit deceiving because multiple people can have the same finishing time. This division rankings went up to 128, which means I beat 98 other girls in my age division.

Okay, so not the greatest turn out, for a first go at it, but I still maintain that I start and finished the race running. Maybe there is another 1/2 in my future.......

Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon Recap...

2011-05-16T14:07:00.002-04:00

Saturday: On Saturday afternoon, JP and I headed down to the race Expo and the convention center in downtown Pittsburgh. I had never been to this part of the city before so was excited to see what it was all about, and was a perfect excuse to act like a tourist.

Here are pictures from the expo...

Can you find your name among the 22,000 runners?! I did!!!

They don't call it a running of the city bridges for nothing! Luckily I only had to cross four of them. The worst one was the last one... go figure!

After the Expo, JP and I walked around the Cultural District for a while. Great shops lined the streets and it turned out to be a gorgeous (and rather warm) afternoon. After that we met up with JP's cousin. He was kind enough to let us crash at his place to avoid morning traffic and road closures.

Billy and JP at dinner at Tessaro's in Little Italy. Billy doing last minute look ups about the race, and JP, well, maybe he's pumped about the race... or dinner. Did I mention I managed to down an entire 1/2 pound burger and small ice cream sundae that night for dinner? And I still wasn't full! Oops!

Sunday- Race Day: JP and I got up at 4:30AM. We were out the door by 5:00 and into the city by 5:30 after just a short one mile walk to town. (Why I thought it was an awesome idea to add an extra mile to my day, I will never know.) It was really neat to be in the city with no cars zipping down the streets. Everything was relatively quiet. Here's last minute preps of the start line...

Moments before the race started. I had about 4-5 blocks to walk before the actual starting point. It had also drizzled periodically prior to the start. Wasn't such a fan of that. Luckily the as I made my way over the starting gates the sprinkle had stopped. Did I mention it was really chilly too?

Miles 1-2 flew by. I was maintaining an 11:30 mile pace. This is super fast for me. I relished in it, but knew it wasn't going to last long.
I really don't remember crossing the 16th Street Bridge, or miles 3-5.
Mile 5: I remember pretty well- it was the 1st exchange point for relay runners (man I was I jealous of those "done") and a couple of signs referencing Charlie Sheen's "tiger blood" and "winning;" it made me smile.
Mile 6: I unfortunately remember vividly as I was following a gentleman with some very very bad B.O. But, the area was gorgeous with parks and older homes.
Miles 7-8: Took me over the West End Bridge (2nd worst) and through the West End Village. The only redeeming quality about this race is that you ultimately knew that if you made the climb up the hill, your reward was a pretty fantastic down grade.
Miles: 8-10: I hate Carson Street. Billy said I would, and I did. I really expected it to be a great opportunity to showcase the city and have runners run along the river... but that didn't happen... plus we would have missed those hills! Speaking of missing something, I did happen to miss the mile 9 marker and somehow ended up at mile 10... a welcome sight as I was granted permission (with 1/2 marathon status) to make the left, while the full-marathoners continued straight. ~~Suckers!~~
Mile 11: Cue the small water blister under the left big toe. Dang it!!!! There was a gentleman there at the bend on a bicycle. Balding older man, with a pleasant encouraging smile. "Just two more miles to the finish," he said. Dammitall if I wasn't going to finish this race strong!! After all, it was just 2 miles. I could do that in my sleep.
Mile 12: gone in a flash, I know I was running through the city and my legs felt like lead. I wasn't stopping though. Not now.
Mile 13: WHAT A BITCH OF A BRIDGE!!!!!! That sucker was steep! Some kind spectator had sliced up oranges, so I grabbed one and took a bite. Internal thought of, "if some cruel spectator wanted to really f*(# with runners, they could lace food, drinks, with really anything." I promptly threw the orange to the ground and kept trudging. By this time we had rejoined the marathon runners who were whizzing by me. WTF? Seriously, you just ran 25 miles.... how is this possible that you are literally sprinting past me?!
Mile 13.1: The glory of what I had been searching for. The sides of the street were completely packed with spectators looking on for loved ones, family members, and friends. Lots and lots of cheering. I could feel my pace pick up a bit. I was actually going to finish this thing!!

I actually think I don't look too worse the wear all things considered. After the finish line, 3 hours, 2 minutes, and 44 seconds after I had started, I collected my medal, grabbed three waters, a foil wind wrap thing (dumbest thing ever in my opinion- maybe I was using it wrong?) and 2 bananas. It was over. It was all over. And I was done.

Later that afternoon I was convinced this may have been a one and done situation. I did know for sure there was no way in hell I was ever going to consider a full marathon. But, as I was talking with my lovely ladies from the interweb, I was asked if I would run with a girl in Philly in September for her first 1/2. I was amazingly flattered at the offer, and am now considering a second 1/2. But we shall see.

Right now, it's R.I.C.E. time.

Tag it!!!

2011-05-15T17:46:00.002-04:00

Boom!!! Check out that bad boy!!

More to come later!! Promise!

Pittsburgh can SUCK IT!

2011-05-11T21:31:00.000-04:00

Pardon the expression, but with two "no's" out of the search today I hate my life at the moment.

Overly dramatic, probably. But, I feel like I'm headed back into a terrible spiral. Fail.

One week out...

2011-05-08T20:21:00.000-04:00

As I sat on the sofa at my parents house it dawned on me that it was a little after 11 in the morning. On any other Sunday it would mean nothing. But today, it means that in exactly one week, I would be done with my 1/2 marathon. Done. D.O.N.E. Woot!

Training has been going well. I've started to "pare down" as the experts say (ie. running less) and have started thinking about carb loading and over hydrating. Can I tell you how difficult it is for me to drink water? Ugh.

[image source]

The course looks pretty excellent... until you get to about mile 12...

[elevation map courtesy of pittsburghmarathon.com]

I suppose I should know better... this is called the "run of city bridges".... that my dear friends is the Smithfield Bridge. Stupid bridge incline. Who needs proper drainage anyway?

[image courtesy of Flikr]

JP and I have (currently) decided to leave the house around 3AM. Oye. This will allow for the 40 minute drive in, plus traffic. The parking lots open at 4AM and have the potential to close by 5:30 or 6. The race starts at 7:30. All of the runners (1/2, full, and full-relay) start at the same time in the same spot. All 20,000 of us! Eek!

The added bonus? No strollers. Thank the good Lord above!! One of my biggest pet peeve is joggers with stroller. This reason is two fold. One... they can be difficult to dodge and quite frankly, believe that this particular brand of runner is out to nip the back of my ankles. Two... nothing pisses me off more than being passed by some joker pushing one of them along all "ho hum" along their run. WTF? I'm running my arse off here and you're practically lollying around? No thank you.

At any rate, I'm pretty excited. At the same time it doesn't really feel real. It had been months and months away. And now, all of a sudden, I'm a week out. How did that happen? Am I ready? Physically? Mentally?

::note to self: charge the iPod::

Donate Cash, Will Run...

2011-05-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

While on a run the other week I thought about the site Daily Mile that I frequent to keep track of my running distances and times. Daily Mile. Daily........ Mile. What if in 2012 I ran a daily mile. One mile every day. Thought it would be kind of a neat concept, and would require more dedication than anything.

JP also had a good idea for running. For every 101 list item I don't complete, I'm supposed to cough up $5.00 to the pot and then donate it. He suggested that when the list is complete, whatever monies I'm supposed to be donating, I donate in the form of race submissions. I thought this was a great way to keep running and be "punished" for not completing list items. Each race typically has charity or cause that it's supporting. This whole thing is two-fold since JP's got goals to be better about donating when we can.

[image source] and [image source]

Side note: HOLY CRAP!!!! The 1/2 Marathon is in TWO WEEKS!!!! By this time then, I'll be DONE RUNNING!!!

What do Foreigner, Lady Gaga, and the Black Eyed Peas all have in common?

2011-04-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

No clue? I'll give you a hint... it involves 10 stinkin' miles.

Last weekend I ran the Hermes Cleveland 10 Miler. That's right. This girl ran 10 miles!!!!

I felt like a rock star through about the first 5 miles, and I had the split to prove it... I ran the first five miles in under an hour (58 minutes to be exact) ::cue the sound bite of Charlie Sheen's 'winning!':: I had a pretty good group to run with on the way out, and from an article I read last week about the "imaginary tether," I imagined myself tied to an individual about 15-20 yards ahead of me. The concept worked perfectly on the way out, but on the way back, there was no keeping up with the group and lost a lot of ground. Second split was 1:11. Oye.

At around mile 6 I thought I was going to die. The race route completely sucked. Literally out Lake Ave. and back. I was into the gorgeous houses for about 2 miles. After that, not so much. I wanted to walk. Trot, trot, trot. God, if only I could just stop and walk a bit. Trot, trot, trot, trot. My feet kept moving. Something I pride myself on is not stopping. I don't walk. I refuse to walk. I think it comes from the first 5K I ran where I encountered a hill and I saw people starting to walk. I felt superior to them. Sure, I was still barely at a run, but I kept going. I didn't stop.

At any rate, the sole purpose of the run was to put myself in a semi-similar scenario (whew- say that five times fast) to the 1/2 I'm running next month. I wanted to know I could do at least the 10. Things I learned from this race to do for the next race...

Body Glide (or similar body slicking/non-chaffing goo) will be necessary.

As much as I'd like to think that I've slimmed down in several areas, the war wounds of running seemed to honed in on my hip bones, lower back, under-boobage, and under cheeks.

Hydrate more

After that 5th mile I really did hit a wall. I had the Jelly Belly Sport Beans with me, but have read that I was going to need to consume more fluids if this was the nutritional route I was going to go.

Don't rely on "the race" to provide me with post-race nutrition

Seriously, a girl can't get a banana after running 10 miles. Yeesh. They were out, and my post-race drink tasted nasty. And I left the chocolate milk at home...

Dress for "warm weather"

Even if you're cold at the beginning of the race, you'll be fine about a mile in. I think, too, overheating was something that was a major contributing factor to hitting the wall late in the run.

And here's a few pics that the hubs took....

Gotta get tagged up...

Me and my beans...

Still excited for some reason...

Looking a bit dead...

And what I look like after 10 miles, over dressed, dehydrated, and chaffing... sexy!

Turns out I did finish just 1,580 out of (what Jason heard) 2,300 participants- this makes me look good! From the results page it looks like 43 people finished after me- which makes me look totally awful. Who knows? Maybe some of the slackers couldn't finish it. Lazy bums! Whatevs... I finished. I suppose that's all that matters!

Homework Assignment

2011-04-18T08:20:00.000-04:00

One of my dear dear lovies from the interweb is not satisfied with a few of us and our lack of posting. I suppose I'm one of the guilty ones. The assignment is to be about what we did this weekend....

On Friday I got up and went to the gym. With the membership I have, each member is allowed to take one pilates reformer class for free prior to purchasing a package of classes. I fell in love with it! So every Monday and Friday now, I've been going to class. It's an amazing stretch, requires great control over your body, self-awareness. I also worked until 8:00 at the gym in the membership office. And really, it wasn't 8:00, I think I left about 10 minutes early. Oops.

On Saturday I worked in membership again (welcome to my life) and things were relatively slow. I printed new labels for each of the 80 new members and filed them in the back. I sent out almost 30 emails to prospective members. Gave 2 tours. And I got three new members to sign up. Unfortunately the last two (a couple) came in 10 minutes before closing to sign up for a corporate account and were to be paying in gift cards. Of course it couldn't be simple.

Each weekend JP and I try to have a date night. It continues to ensure some form of sanity... remember, we're still living with the in-laws. But it gives us a chance to reconnect and catch up from the goings-on of the previous week. With my schedule this month, aside from weekends, I only get to have dinner with my main man twice. TWICE?! Next month should be different, schedule wise, but the routine we've started to work out has seemed to fit the bill so far.

Sunday, we got up early. And I didn't run. Oops? I didn't want to. So I didn't. Since starting the pilates, I really can't wait for the 1/2 to be over. I just want to go back to running 5K's and swimming, and more pilates.

This week, I finally have a week night off and Jason and I have planned to meet with a mortgage guy to start learning. Quite honestly, I'm really nervous to find out that at this point in time we can't afford crap.... which is probably totally true, but still.

Cutting your losses...

2011-04-12T14:00:00.000-04:00

It's hard to let go of something you've pursued for the last 10 months. Something that you've followed up with, sent countless emails, called them, only to have the position "indefinitely on hold" due to higher ed budget cuts. The thing is, I'm not mad the position is "on hold," I'm mad that the office continued to keep me in the dark about the progress of the position, and chose not to disclose the goings-on unless I hounded them about it.

It's hard to be mature about things when you've felt slighted for the 10 months you've lived in this new place. I went from being a big fish in a small pond. Loads of connections and a lot of creative freedom to do the things I loved. Um hello, pity party, party of one?

It's hard to be unaffected by the consistent stream of "no."

The up side in all of this? I continue to run. I received an email from the Pittsburgh Marathon asking runners to share their story. After all, all runners have a story. So I submitted mine. In 497 words, I described what running was to me.

Who knows if it will be published, but I described running as my coping mechanism. That thing I do for me. Stressed out? Run. Need to stew over an idea? Run. Feelin' good for a change? Run!

On Sunday I ran 10 miles. T.E.N. M.I.L.E.S!! Which it totally awesome because I'm running the Cleveland 10 Miler on the 23rd. In the two hours it took me to run, I actually felt really good. Proud of myself. Worth something. That somehow I proved I had value. Value to whom? No clue. But that somehow what I was doing was good.

March Rewind

2011-03-29T10:38:00.000-04:00

Not a whole lot has happened this month... so I'll do a review in peectures!

I took lots and lots of photos of Troy.... and Myron finally got a hairs cut...

I cleaned out my closets at home and found a sweatshirt in my closet from 1st grade...

I made a 12-layer cake for the Mommio's birthday. And yes, all 12 layers, plus the ganosh, plus the frosting were all made from scratch....

And JP, Adam, and I all went to Chicago for the weekend!!!! OMG if I could marry a city, Chicago would be it! And Jason's always been a fan of the 'Burgh, but homeboy was smitten with The Windy City!

I have also had the priviledge to know several amazing women over the last four years. We met discussing invitations, day-of timelines, ettiquette, and all things wedding related. Since our wedding we've moved on to discuss babies, trouble spots, divorce, new jobs, decorating, and life in general. It was surreal to meet these women in real life. For so long we have supported each other from behind a screen, our words were our voice. Nobody missed a beat. We hit the ground running and picked up mid-conversation.... like we had known each other for a lifetime.

A shoutout...

2011-03-17T12:45:00.000-04:00

...to a little lady over at Ramblings and Photos! I had been having some serious difficulty downloading a few items and she was kind enough to send me her file for the action. I think in my overeagerness to get some of the actions down loaded I clicked something (wrong) and am currently in a holding pattern until I can ~~call dad~~ get it figured out or pick the brain of some kind soul on the interweb.

You see, I have recently discovered the magic of "actions." Actions are a series of Photoshop applications that allow for a desired effect in a short amount of time... a shortcut really. The one I wanted, and that Ashley so graciously emailed to me was the Sun Kissed action from The Coffee Shop Blog. This action makes me yearn for summer... warm days by the lake... picnic-ing...

At any rate, there are several sites including The CoffeeShop Blog, Texas Chicks Blogs and Pics, and Pioneer Woman that allow you do download their actions for free! Such nice ladies!!

So I started with this photo from Athens, that I took back in April of last year. It just sat in a file on my computer, waiting for the day that I got my butt in gear and learned at thing or two about Photoshop:

And here's what it looked like after it had been kissed by the sun.....

Swoon!

Look What I Can Do!!

2011-03-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

In an effort to make life a little less mundane, and explore opportunities I would otherwise pass up, I created my 101 in 1001 list. I think it's important to remember what makes you happy and pursue avenues in which you are able to develop those interests. For me, moving in with the in-laws 8 months ago, was a jolt and a crushing blow to my self-esteem. I was the girl that swore up and down I'd never move back in with my parents after college... and to some extent that didn't happen- I just didn't ever imagine living with my in-laws as the alternative.

At any rate, through talking with one of JP's cousins, she mentioned a pottery class offered through the local community college. She had taken it once before and was considering taking it again. After one easy payment of $119.00 via internet I was signed up for a pottery class! I was actually pretty excited about this. I never had the chance in high school to throw on a wheel in my regular classes and was eager to see what type of talent I had, if any. The first day of class we were introduced to the wheel and literally an hour into class we were throwing. It. Was. Awesome. I was a rockstar and made two ashtrays. Right? I told you I was awesome.

Week two brought some frustration as I tried to emulate an elephant coil pot. I thought the coils would resemble the wrinkles and look awesome. But, it wasn't coming together as ~~quickly~~ nicely as I had hoped and after three hours of working it, I only had one leg and half and elephant ass to show for it. I wrapped it up, added a few damp paper towels and hoped it'd last the week. Yesterday when I went back it, it was still in pretty good condition, but a few coils had cracked off. I opted to scrap it.

Instead I came in with a sketch of the backside of a lady that I thought I'd attempt to sculpt. At the end of the class, here's what I came home with...

Not too shabby, eh?

Want to know something ironic?

2011-02-24T15:02:00.001-05:00

#91 on my 101 in 1001 is to purchase a new car. No big deal right? I was next in line to purchase a new car pending full time employment.

Well wouldn't you know that mother nature, God, karma, had other plans.......

Nope. Not me next. JP was next. ~~WTF?~~

A week and a half a go, JP went in for some dental work and a cleaning. There was an hour in between the appointments. Luckily, and with better judgment, he opted not to sit in car and read his book in the waiting room.

Here's why....

[image source and story]

So yes, that Thursday we went to look for a car. Turns out the whole process, when you're the one actually involved, goes rather quickly... almost too quickly. After the test drive and what seemed to be the salesman's word vomit of rates, prices, and financing jargon, we signed some papers that somehow indicated we'd be back with a check to hold the car. And the following Tuesday (two days ago) we drove the newest member of the family off the lot.

Turns out item #91 on the list wasn't meant for me. Not sure that's cool.

Anywho... here's the link to the facebook album.....

Why didn't anyone tell me!?

2011-01-18T13:17:00.000-05:00

Um hello!? I could have used some ~~motivation~~ warning about being inside the 4 month mark for the 1/2 Marathon!

Purification

2011-01-03T18:43:00.001-05:00

Today I found myself in the fifth pew of a Catholic church, listening to a sermon. The smell of melting candles was was unsettling; it was difficult to imagine any other reason so many candles were lit-- in remembrance, in prayer. The voice of the girl at the pulpit yanked at my heart strings and forced me to recall vivid memories of other funerals I attended growing up.

As I attempted to choke back the tears, I flipped through a catalog of comforting words I had heard before in situations like this. During the spring of my senior year of high school, I attended my uncle's funeral. The man, during his life, was abrasive and hard. I felt that it was never uncommon to have him under your skin. But sitting in the funeral home while the minister spoke, he talked of how God had made men like silver. At first, when you are born, you are raw and impure. As time wears on, you are tested; God turns up the heat, scoops out the impurities that have floated to the surface, and you carry on. Again, He turns up the heat and you are faced with life's challenges, and again he scoops out the impurities, ultimately allowing you to become a more perfect being.

It dawned on me as I was sitting there today that while things may be getting a little hot under the collar, there is a greater purpose to what I'm going through.

Now I've never been one to go running to the Big Book to search for meaning or ultimate guidance, but I think there's go to be something to it when you're faced with adversity.

Day One of a New Decade....

2011-01-01T18:32:00.002-05:00

A new decade is finally upon us, and I am cautiously optimistic that this next decade is going to be a good one.

After everything that's happened in the last six and a half months, it's difficult to look past everything that's happened to the see the optimism and lessons of it all. But as a very good friend of mine has always said, "Trust that where you are, is exactly where you're supposed to be." It's difficult to see the forest through the trees, especially when you're in the thick of it getting whapped in the face by a branch. And yes, I know that I am a full contributor of the situation I'm in... after all ~~(oh gosh, theory vomit...coming...up...)~~ we are products of our environment.

And, in an effort to start the new year, and the new decade on the right foot, I got up and went to the gym. After all, I do have another 15 pounds to drop (an extra 10 if you count the race against my friend). I ran 5 miles, and biked 5 miles. Another 5 toward the 500 I'm supposed to be running over the next 2.5 years (see 101 in 1001). I also baked a new cookie, which turned out to be quite delish. And..... with the most recent gift from Santa (read- Photoshop), my "take one photo I'd hang in my house" goal is coming along nicely.

I have two resolutions this year:
1) Keep going with my 101 in 1001
2) Be more positive

The last year has been more than rough on my overall moral and so I vow to be more positive. Now I've never been one to fart rainbows or believe that things are all puppies and unicorns- I prefer to tell it ~~in an exaggerated form~~ like it is. So I will look for the positive and I will trust my experiences to be learning experiences.

I suppose I should update...

2010-12-09T09:03:00.000-05:00

Oops.

I think I may have lapsed in my ability to understand that in order for people to read and visit my blog I need to write something.

::Hold that thought:: Have to run back to check the archive... what was the last thing I wrote about?

I suppose I haven't written anything significant in a while (come to think of it, I don't even think I updated the Wiggy Say Cheese link for November- crap).

In a funk? Yes.

Busy? Yes.

Why?

Part of the reason is I have taken a second part time job. In addition to EB, I now work at the front desk of a local fitness facility. This second jobs is primarily self-serving (the extra dollar an hour is actually the bonus) as I needed a place to run so I can train for the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon. The only problem... I have yet to find time to run at the gym. The addition of job numero dos keeps me on my feet (when working doubles) for anywhere from 5-14 hours a day depending on my schedule at EB. Most days are now looking like I leave the house at 8:30AM and don't get home until 10:30PM.

In jobs news, I met with a lovely gentleman whom I've been in touch with for almost a year. He was the only person who got back to me initially when I sent out feelers about academic internships in Pittsburgh colleges. I have applied for a job just outside of his department, but that compliments student-athlete success, and it was nice to chat about the interworkings of a larger department. ::swoon:: I couldn't believe ~~the amount of cash it must take to run that place~~ the level of support in place for student-athletes and how, seamlessly things seemed to flow there. I suppose it helps having a director of the center that's worked his way through the ranks for the last 20 years. Mr. Director said he'd put a good word in for me with the peeps across the hall, and would even call over to a neighboring school to see if there would be any openings. ::squee:: It's finally looking like a little elbow grease is paying off in this city.

More job news? There are seven irons in the fire. All there. Roasting. Haven't heard anything. Surprise surprise. Sure, I apply to things that open, check the HR websites/search engines every other day, but I've fallen into another rut of being apathetic to the whole job search. JP's cousin mentioned a gas company is looking to grow from 200 to 800 employees in the area within the next few years and will be looking for office staff to keep them going. Keeping people organized? Having people ask me for help? Pleasing people with quality work in the office place? Sign me up! Really? This is where my life has come to? Not that there's anything wrong with office work, as I actually see myself play secretary once I retire, but it's not the career goal I had set out for myself. But it's difficult to see the forest through the trees when HR departments seem to have some personal vendetta against you.

For now, all I know is that in 16 days Christmas will be here, and in 22 days 2011 will be upon us. It's not that 2010 was a bad year, but in no way has it met my expectations.... Maybe I'll have more perspective on the year when something "good" happens.

Something Random...

2010-11-18T10:22:00.000-05:00

Can you name the Top 100 Girls Names of the '90s?

[Image via Vh1]

I ended up getting 42/100.

Asking for Help...

2010-11-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

Meaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. Meaning is something you build into your life. You build it out of your past, out of your affections and loyalties, out of the experiences of humankind as it is passed on to you, out of your talent and understanding, out of the things you believe in, out of the things and people you love, out of the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something. -Personal Renewal, John Gardner

When you become a teenager, you think you know everything. When you turn 18, you think you're invincible and are certain you know which direction you're headed in life. That is afterall why colleges and universities across this glorious country ask said 18 year olds what they want to be when they grow up on their applications.

But then you get to college and meet new people. You're exposed to different cultures, different ways of thinking. And there's something in one of my student development text books that talks about the hows and whens particular students adjust to all of this.

For me, I think I was a late bloomer. Or maybe I was in denial, that maybe I wasn't a foreseer, and couldn't pick my occupation out of a majors catalog, and somehow convince myself to stick with it (which may or may not have been the easier option at this point considering I'd be gainfully employed right now). But in addition to being a late bloomer/in denial, I'm going to have to add stubborn to that mix. Shocking, I know. I have a confession.

I don't like to ask for help.

Don't pack more than you can carry, don't bite off more than you can chew, and if getting the job done requires buring both ends of the candle stick, so be it. I'll figure it out. I've always figured it out.

But now I've started to think that maybe going about life that way, is the wrong way.

What if, right now, I'm supposed to pack more than I can carry, or bite off more than I can chew, or apply for a job that I'm not directly qualified for? If I packed too much and couln't carry it all, I'd have to ask for help. If I bit off more than I could chew, and choked, I'd need someone to give me the heimlich maneuver. If I applied to a job I wasn't directly qualified for, I'd have to call on friends in the business or skills to get people into the business, to help me.

The realization that I can't do this on my own is a startling revelation for me. What do you mean I can't do this on my own? What do you mean I don't posses the right qualities? Why don't I come down there and show you I've got the right qualities before you go dismissing me? Last one too much? Hello... charm school? I'm going to need a reservation for one here.

::sidenote::
I wrote this blog post instead of writing my cover letter to send to said networker with said skillz. Woops!

and a little birdie told me...

2010-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

apparently this was the best the school could do to advertise the program....

not much to say other than.... "Who's the only student unemployed from her cohort?" Oh right... that would be this girl!!

My heart is in Ohio

2010-10-31T20:48:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, JP and I headed down to Athens. Finally. First weekend off in a while, and it also happened to be a home game for my Bobcats. The sole purpose of heading to Athens was to see my boys. These boys... my heart and soul of the 2009-2010 school year...

It was amazing to be back on campus. It was comfortable. It was freeing. Being in Athens let me feel whole again. It's amazing what a place can do for the soul. The cottage is another one of those "safe places" for me, but Athens has a whole other dimension. Athens is the place I grew up. Learned how to be an adult, pay bills, cook for myself (lucky for me I have JP), manage money. After spending seven years in that place, growing up, finding the love of my life, there's a good reason it has a special place in my heart.

We got there around 10AM. It was awesome. The town was still sleeping when we arrived. We parked at the Convo and strolled the campus. It was so nice to walk around, void of the hustle of students headed to classes. It was peaceful, and a time to reminisce. We had an early lunch at BW3's (man I miss that place) and headed to Peden by noonish to meet up with a friend of mine.

The first half wasn't so good. Four back-to-back-to-back-to-back interceptions left the defense on the field more than they should have been, and morale was low. Luckily, the Bobcats had held the Ragin' Cajuns to only 14 points at the end of the second quarter. After half time though, it was like a completely different team was on the field. A trick play on fourth down seemed to ignite the offense and things really started to move, ultimately scoring 28 points in the third and fourth quarters. Did I mention we have this amazing band called the Marching 110. Yeah... pretty much amazing... and they can totally bust a move!

After the game was over we hung around outside the locker room ~~like groupies~~ to meet up with some of the guys. It was nice to call out to them, have them turn, and see big beaming grins appear on their faces. The hugs I got from all of them made me feel like a million bucks. It's amazing to know that after all the work I did for them last year, they still love and appreciate me now. It makes me wonder how much of an impact I really had on some of them.

The visit did two things: 1) It renewed my spirit. Man have I been in a funk lately. I knew it. JP knew it. Hell, my IL's probably know I'm not my usual self. But I'm trying to cope. And I know that this recent stint in Athens has given me the "fix" I need to keep going. 2) It's renewed my vow to stay in athletics. Knowing my ability to have such an impact on students, and especially student athletes, really makes me feel like I have a place in the world.

Some people find jobs, go to work, come home, and do it all over again. Some people find jobs that challenge and frustrate them, reward them, and keep them coming back for more. I know that I've found the latter and that I've got to do whatever it takes to get there.

Goal for this week.... make a call back to Pitt Athletics.

What if I could think logically for a moment...

2010-10-26T07:56:00.000-04:00

And let myself believe something different.

For instance, I'm a strong believer that you're are in your current situation because you are supposed to learn something from that situation. Like last year, I was supposed to learn about having a very hands-off boss and making it through the year with high expectations. It sucked, but I figured it out. That situation also allowed me to meet some really great people, and am thankful for that.

But what if you're in a situation that isn't meant for you?

What if you're in a situation, like me working for Eddie Bauer, and you're there for someone else to learn something from you?

In the two months that I've been at EB ::insert side eye at calendar:: I've had two separate conversations with other associates about life post-undergrad. Both are liberal arts/social science majors, one sociology, one psychology (and an OU alum); my father would have something to say about a major like that... but that's a story for a different day. Both have some confusion about what steps are next. So we talk and chat about goals and where they want to be, and discuss how you shouldn't actually pay for a master's degree- there really is no reason to pay for one with all of the assistantships out there- and how to go about obtaining said assistantships. The soc major has even struck up a conversation with his supervisor (he's an RA) about higher ed programs and how they got to be where they are now. Maybe I was supposed to help those two associates take their next step. Liberal arts degrees aren't the easiest to navigate post-graduation, so maybe that's why I'm here.

It's interesting that even though I'm not working in higher education at the moment, guiding lost souls to majors or assisting with study skills, I am still helping others find purpose in their own life. Maybe it's why I keep going back to EB each morning (other than the obligitory guilt that ultimately follows by not giving it my full effort).

So there you go. My small, maybe-it's-not-about-me moment.

Eddie Bauer Friends & Family Discount

2010-10-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

Want it? Comment below with your email address and I will add you to the list! Emails with your individualized discount code will be sent out the week prior to the event!

This is really more of an unloading... AKA Pitty Party, Party of One

2010-10-19T11:45:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting on the couch. Second official time since we've moved in with the IL's that I have had the entire house to myself for a few hours. It's different living in someone else's home. Not in the "I lived with my parents until I was 18" sense, but in the sense that for all intents and purposes I had effectively "launched," and sustained my own place for 3 full years (give or take), and somehow landed my butt in a place I swore I'd never be.

But then you move to a new city and in order to get your feet firmly planted on the ground you move back home. I never saw the need to move back home for the sake of moving home, but somehow JP managed to convince me to swallow my pride and do the financially responsible thing, and move in with his parents.

Something which I am eternally grateful, living rent and relatively chore free, I still feel like I'm living on someone else's time. And I am, and I know that. And for my dear dear FIL reading this, please know that I am happy here and thankful for the kindness you've shown us (and the cat). It's just different.

Maybe I'm getting nostalgic because I'm headed to Athens in a few weeks for a visit and am reminiscing about how good I had it there. A drive to campus that took 3 minutes, a path to run along a ~~pathetic excuse for a~~ winding river, coffee shops open past 9PM, feeling like a big fish in a small pond. I miss lots and lots of vegetables at dinner. I miss Georgia and Traveis and Luke. I miss carpeted flooring and itty bitty kitchens, and dinners at the coffee table.

The job search continues to be stagnant. I still haven't heard back from the interview I had in Septmeber about another interview (for what I hope to be held in October). JP's still on hold for the full time floater sub position until the school board meets. I am ashamed to admit I haven't run since the 26th of September. I have worked more hours in retail in the last month than I ever have cared to (despite the amazing discount on clothing).

clean up clean up everybody everywhere...

2010-10-08T09:49:00.001-04:00

I once remember a shopping excursion with my brother and mother, where we went on a hunt for a certain high school reunion dress. We searched high and low, far and near, and finally landed in the Galleria in downtown (that's "dahntahn" for my Pittsburgh readers) Cleveland. In some small store, with loads of racks, my brother and I sat on the floor outside the fitting room.

"Hey A, guess what?" mom asked.

"Chicken butt!" A replied. Clearly he was a) tired of shopping and b) in the mindset of what had to be a 7 year old.

She had found her dress. What's best? I'm pretty sure my mother was also cognizant and curteous enough to return the dresses she didn't want to their hangers, and either place them on the wardrobe in the fitting room to be returned to the sales floor, or, took the items directly back to the floor herself.

However, this concept is seemingly foreign to the current shopper. Both men and women alike are guilty of littering the fitting rooms with disguarded items. Case in point.... Male fitting room was left with three pairs of pants, two sweaters, and SIX different unfolded wrinkle resistant shirts. Excuse me, do you realize how hard those suckers are to refold?! And the woman's fitting room is often worse... because in all honesty, not one single pair of pants fits identically to another of the same style, cut, and color. They're just not... so I get needed to try on several items, but seriously, for the love of all that is sweet and pure, fold the pants and put them back. And seriously, do you really need to grab a medium and large in each color of our down vest? Surely not.

I once read an article that said that women try on more than 21,000 clothing items in a lifetime... and most of the time it's just for the thrill of trying on the clothes, and not necessarily buying them. Ugh... all that trying on and you're not even going to buy!? The least you could do is purchase the plethora of clothing you so kindly unfolded and piled on the floor of the fitting rooms.

As the holiday season nears, and shopping trips for holiday gifts begin, please remember to be kind to your retailers, and apply some life lessons you acquired in kindergarden... clean up the mess you make and put things back where you found them.

And shameless plug to support the company I'm currently working all but full time for... Eddie Bauer. Actually quite a good company we've got some great deals coming up in any apparel store, outlet store, online and/or in the catalog.

1st: We're (the company) is celebrating Eddie Bauer's birthday on Saturday, October 16th, 2010... and in order to do this... we're putting everything on sale. This is a one day gig.

2nd: Come help us out with the Warm Coat Event... The premise... Donate one coat and get 20% off your entire purchase of another piece of our outerwear. To find a participating location, go here.

3rd: From October 17th through November 2nd, EB is having their BIG DOWN EVENT... down comforters are going to be 50% off!! Can't beat that!

Okay... enough rambling... but seriously, be kind to your retailers this season and remember to clean up your mess. I can promise you the sales associates will thank you for it and ultimately make your shopping experience more enjoyable.

I love to go shopping. I love to freak out salespeople. They ask me if they can help me, and I say, "Have you got anything I'd like?" Then they ask me what size I need, and I say, "Extra medium." -Steven Wright

**On a sidenote, Eddie Bauer did not pay me to advertise the upcoming events. While I wish they would because I could use the extra dough, it's ultimately about passing along the word about quality items that happen to be on sale... or for a good cause. I should also point out, for general verification, that what you see online, is not necessarily what you will see in the apparel stores, and definitely not what you will see in the outlets... just an FYI**

Do you hear that?

2010-10-07T09:40:00.000-04:00

Yes my friends, those would be crickets.

Crickets.

As in, nothing's happened in the last two weeks with the on campus I had on the 23rd of September. Meh. It's literally taking every ounce of my being not to call them this morning and give them a good "WTF mate?!"

At any rate, finished another 5K at Put-in-Bay at the end of September as well with a very very dear friend of mine. We've been friends since high school and really, I'm pretty sure he's my soul mate. You know, that kind of friend that will always be there for you, through thick or thin, judge you for your bad jokes, and then laugh with you about them, make up silly games in the apartment just to pass the time. I'd like to think that Anne of Green Gables would liken us to "kindred spirits."

...and then we got coffee and sugar and played with the pig...

2 Years Ago...

2010-09-27T18:49:00.007-04:00

I married the love of my life. I just started my second year of grad school, and JP started his second year of teaching. Two years ago we were idiots in love. Idiots in love, with an, albeit small, income.

Two years later we're living with JP's parents. I'm working part time at Eddie Bauer, and he's subbing. It's amazing where your life ends up. I never thought I'd end up here.

But here we are. Living in a 10x11 room. Our lives on someone else's timeline.

Luckily for me I have you, a partner in crime, a teammate, a better half. You complete me. Cheesey I know. But in all honesty, you are my sounding board. You understands where I'm coming from, and let me vent, even if where I'm coming from isn't exactly of sound mind. At any rate, you loves me, unconditionally, and I am so incredibly thankful for that.

I know our life isn't exactly where we thought we'd be two years ago, but we're here, once again, figuring things out together. I'm glad you're by my side, and can't wait to figure out what the next year of marriage has in store.

I love you.

I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person; love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of; love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.

Just under 8 months to go until the Pittsburgh [half] Marathon!!

2010-09-22T10:23:00.001-04:00

So yesterday I bit the bullet and registered for my first half marathon! Holy crap!!

::sidenote:: Every time I go to type "marathon," I type "marathong..." Thong? Really.

Any who, I'm pretty excited. I do recall that my brother thought I was crazy for even contemplating the run. JP's convinced that after the 1/2 I'll want to do the whole thing. I'm not so sure, but knowing me, it's definitely a possibility. There's something about having this sticker that makes me want to do it. Maybe it has something to reverting back to childhood like tendencies and working for a gold star. I'm a sucker for stickers.

I have it all figured out. Between now and May 15, 2011, I need to run an additional .25 miles each week to reach the 13 miles by the time of the race. Pretty easy. Right? Wrong. There's something standing in my way. And I do believe it looks like this...

Not to mention I live on back roads currently, so running there is a bit more treturous. I'm still working on a game plan that will allow me to run the distances safely. Another concern is gear. I really don't want to come back from a run looking like this...

But I do understand it's a strong possibility.

I do hope though, that after the long runs I can con my husband into having hot chocolate and bubble bath ready for me.... what do you think?

So off I go, running... running... running. You love support and encouragement is definitely apprecaited.

Up next for running.... Put-in-Bay 5K this weekend and then once Cleveland gets their but in gear, I can register for the Turkey Trot!

Copy/Paste: Speakeasy Magazine

2010-09-16T18:22:00.002-04:00

Five Reasons Every Ohio Student Should Root Against Ohio State

By Matthew Pentz

September 15th, 2010
Category: Features, Sports
22 comments

This Saturday, the Ohio Bobcats will make the short drive up Route-33 to take on the No. 2 team in the nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes. As shocking to the outsider as it may seem, and despite their school affiliation, not all Ohio students plan on pulling for the upset.

In an effort to turn Athens green this weekend and expose the fallacies behind rooting against one’s alma mater, here are the top five reasons that every Bobcat should be dreaming of a shocking victory.

-Your school selection: From the moment that a student signs his or her admission letter to Ohio University, he or she is bound for life to the school, for better or for worse. A college choice is almost akin to a marriage; whether you grow to love it or hate it, you are tied to your university forever. All previous rooting engagements pale in comparison to the bond created with the university one chooses to attend.

Though this may seem like an obvious reason to root for the Bobcats, but breaking up is apparently hard to do for those who grew up rooting for the Buckeyes. The issue of whether one can be a fan of both is a debate for another day, but the battle lines, at the very least, should be drawn on Saturday.

When the childhood Buckeye fan became a Bobcat, a decision was made by either the fan or the university they root for on the football field. Either the fan decided that they didn’t love OSU enough to attend the school, or the university decided that they didn’t love the fan enough to let them in. Allegiances for this Saturday’s showdown were created at this seminal moment in a student’s life.

The argument that an Ohio student can root for the Buckeyes and still love Ohio, just not its sports teams, is an insult to their fellow students who don the Green and White on the field. Bobcat athletes live in the same dorms, take some of the same classes and are molded just as much by their time in Athens as the average student.

They compete at the same level, the Division I Bowl Subdivision, as their more famous opponents and pour out just as much sweat and blood in preparation. Ohio Bobcats football may lack the glamour and flash of the Ohio State powerhouse, but they carry our flag. If an Ohio University student loves the University, they will be cheering on their fellow Bobcats to the final whistle on Saturday.

-The biggest win in school history: A common chorus for those who will be rooting on the red side of the Horseshoe this weekend is that they are pulling for the Buckeyes because they are in the national title hunt, a feat that the Bobcats cannot pull off even with this signature victory. The counter-argument lies in the fact that if Ohio prevails, it will be the biggest victory in the history of the program.

Even if Ohio State goes on to win the national title it would still be one of eight. An upset, no matter how unlikely, would be the greatest moment in the century-plus history of Ohio Bobcats football, period.

Mark Parsons’ punt return fumble–with the Bobcats up by two with seconds left in the 3th quarter–turned the tide in the 2008 thriller between the two schools. Only a quarter and a few seconds separated Ohio from that aforementioned greatest win two years ago, and it would only make a win this year that much more significant

-The Eagleson Bill: At the turn of the 20th century, the two previously founded universities in the state–Ohio University and Miami University–were enmeshed in a power struggle with a newcomer, Ohio State University, that was chartered in 1870 as the Ohio Mechanical and Agricultural College.

Of seminal importance during this period was Rutherford B. Hayes. Hayes was a founder of Ohio State University as a governor, and after returning to Ohio after his one term as President of the United States, used his political influence to lobby on behalf of greater power for OSU. The debate came to a head in 1906 when a controversial bill handed the new kid on the block an advantage.

Despite heavy protest from the previously founded and more well-established state universities, the Eagleson Bill was passed. The bill mandated that only Ohio State among state universities was legally allowed to offer doctoral education or conduct basic research. The bill formally and legally locked in Ohio State’s status as the state’s leading institution and left the others to fight over scraps.

Even though the schools had similar enrollment, OSU was significantly handed the golden ticket to the Big Ten Conference six years later instead of the other major state competitors, Ohio and Miami.

“The Big Ten Conference is comprised of world-class academic institutions who share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service,” says a mission statement on the conference’s website.

The Eagleson Bill meant that, through law, only OSU could meet the necessary criteria needed to enter the conference. The boost to one of the premier collegiate conferences put them on the path to success and left their rivals to join the less famous Mid-American Conference a few decades later.

-The 89-year in-state drought: The Oberlin College Yeomen were the last in-state opponent to beat the Buckeyes, winning 7-6 way back in 1921. To put that in perspective, the United States agreed to a peace treaty with Germany to put an end to World War 1 less than two months before that game.

Ohio State decided not to risk losing its luster again following the loss, avoiding in-state teams and thus making very few rivals within the borders of Ohio. The Buckeyes have faced the other majors colleges in the state–Akron, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Kent State, Miami, Ohio, and Toledo–only 18 times since that date, and none before 1990.

As a result, the Buckeyes were able to maintain their facade as the only legitimate football team in the state and all but ignoring its rivals as insignificant.

-Ohio State’s identity crisis: At some point since its existence, Ohio State decided to buck the trend of every other similarly named state school in America by dropping the “State” suffix to its name and ignoring the already established school named Ohio.

Imagine the confusion in Ann Arbor and East Lansing if the Spartan band spelled out, simply, “Michigan” in the build-up to their rivalry game. More to the point, because one is a major-conference team and one a small-conference school, there would be still be significantly backlash from Philadelphia if Penn State all of sudden decided to refer to themselves as “Penn” or “Pennsylvania.”

Ohio Stadium, Script Ohio, “O-H”…”I-O,” the block O, the famous Jesse Owens picture above (if you understandably thought he was an often overlooked Bobcat alum, you were wrong), the “OHIO” group pose, the Ohio chant during the chorus to “Hang on Sloopy,” you get the idea.

OSU’s attempt to claim the Ohio name as its own, despite the pesky fact that a university bearing that name was founded more than a half century before it and had a proud history in its own right is not a recent trend. In 1917, the school attempted to change its name to the “University of Ohio,” though no other state in the union had ever given two of its schools such similar and confusing monikers. Its request was denied by the state legislature, but that hasn’t stopped them from continually running away from that persistent “State” tag.

“Ohio State is interested in being Ohio State University and Ohio University,” said former Ohio athletic director Tom Boeh said in an article from the Post in 1997 detailing the tension between the naming rights. “I think it’s odd as heck that they want to have both names. But I think they think we’re not relevant enough to bear the name of the state.”

His last point is the one that should most irk the Bobcats, and rightfully so. The Buckeyes insistence that they are The Ohio State University–ignoring the numerous other Ohio state institutions–shows that Boeh may not be far off in his guess behind OSU’s motivation.

Saturday is the Bobcats’ grand chance, its shot to assert its relevance on the national football stage and to show who Ohio is to the entire country. If all Ohio students can’t get behind that idea, its hard to imagine what they would ever root for.

**This is a direct copy and paste from Speakeasy Magazine, written by Matthew Pentz

In the words of my grandmother, "whoops a daisy"

2010-09-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

Seems I have forgotten to pop back on here and update things.

Let's see... where to begin.

At the end of ~~August~~ July, I applied for three positions at one local university. At the end of August, maybe?, I finally heard from one of the positions asking if I was still interested in interviewing, and I told them yes (duh!). They told me they'd be in touch. Two weeks later I hadn't heard anything and I called HR- insert last ranting post about HR. At anyrate, I finally had the 20-minute phone interview Friday, September 3rd. It went fantastically well. Before I had gotten off the phone with the man, he told me that he had a few more calls to make, but that I should hear something by Wednesday. Now, in my world, that means I should be expecting a phone call on or BEFORE Wednesday, no? So Wednesday passes without a call. No biggie, it was a holiday on Monday and things most likely got backed up. Thursday rolls by without a peep. Ugh. Frriiiday starts with JP heading out to golf with pap, leaving me with the dog, the cat, and the phone. We sat there allll frickin' morning. By noon the phone still hadn't rung. OMGWTF?! Seriously. By now my nerves are eating away at my stomach lining and I'm practically beside myself. I nailed the interview. I had great answers. So great the guy actually cut me off mid-answer because he had heard what he needed to hear. I had student-centered answers. Everything was perfect. By 2:30 on Friday I'd convinced myself that the lack of a phone call warranted one to the office. Voicemail. I secretly believed that everyone involved with the decision to bring people to campus was in a covert-op meeting and at that very moment were deciding to call me. I leave a voicemial. And just to be ~~crazy and psycho~~ thorough I sent the gentleman who interviewed me an email as well. Three-thirty rolled by, 4:00, 4:30. Surely they're waiting to make a dramatic finale to the week by calling in the last 15 minutes of the work day. Five o'clock rolls by. Well, I've gotten "no" phone calls after 5:00 before... maybe there's hope. No dice. The phone never rang. Still hasn't rung.

I ran six miles today. Farthest yet. It feels good to run, get frustration out. ~~Overanalyze.~~ Think for myself. Tomorrow starts a new work week... hopefully it ends up better than last week.

Unemployment has had it's benefits though. I continue to chip away at my 101 in 1001. At the beginning of September, the mommio and padre game down to support JP, my father-in-law (!!), and I in the Gatorade/Steelers 5K. It was awesome! And I even beat last year's 5K race time. Wasn't too difficult to do considering I have been running for almost a year, but it was still great to see some progress. The course was fantastically easy (and flat), and the best part was finishing on the warning track of Heinz Field. I will say that the most challenging part of the entire route was running down the ramp to the field. Seriously, whose bright idea was it to make people run down hill after running three miles. My legs felt like Jell-O!! After the race was over we headed out to the Rib Festival (okay- running past the ribs was probably the hardest part). Here's some pictures of the morning/afternoon...

FIL, JP, me

This guy was my shoe twin!

Me finishing...

JP and FIL finishing...

Me & the survivors!

Got enough food?

Finally.... I baked! This month I've already baked TWO pies! A peach pie at the request of my father, and a German Chocolate Pecan pie for FIL's birthday!

I promise to post more. Hopefully there will be good updates soon!

"...nothing is too much trouble if it turns out the way it should."

-Julia Child

Did You See?

2010-08-26T19:50:00.003-04:00

Over there to the right... the Run Away With Me link? That's right folks! I ran FIVE MILES!!! Me!!!

Please and Thank You

2010-08-26T19:50:00.000-04:00

Ahem... is this thing on?

2010-08-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

::steps onto soap box::

I'd like to begin by revisiting a topic I frequently hate. HR Departments. I hate them. No, in fact I loathe them... to the very core of their existance. Of my experience thus far with the gatekeepers of the employed world, it had been nothing but, well, useless.

I've always been taught to go out of my way to help others when I can. In the instances where I choose not to, a flood of guilt washes over me and I vow to try harder. I'm a firm believer in karma, for a "force" that ultimately levels out life's playing field. So I try to be a good person, make the right decisions, be polite and cheerful when calling to follow up so that ultimately, I may be able to impact someone's life in a positive way, even for a moment.

And I get that times are tough, and those who are unemployed haggle the employed with questions of timelines, contact persons, and phone numbers, but when does it stop being less about me harassing you, and more about you helping me, a fellow human being trying to make ends meet? When did people become unwilling to help, borderline lazy, and in some instances downright useless? So much so that the interaction you did have with that employed member of an institution/school/company makes you NOT want to work for that institution.

If a person calls and HR Department inquiring about a timeline, of which the DEPARTMENT called to ask if you were still interested in interviewing, why doesn't HR know about it? Why doesn't HR have documentation of the contact? And if I've told you they've contacted me (I understand I could have been lying- but I wasn't so...) why can't you give me the name and number?

If a person stops in to an adminstrative office to drop off materials and asks about a timeline for a postion the DISTRICT would like filled sometime next week, and the person you asked doesn't have the answer... wouldn't the decent course of action be to ask that person to wait a moment, excuse yourself, and find out the answer, rather than stare blankly and respond with an "I don't know"? YOU'RE THE FREAKING HR DEPARTMENT!!!!

I once had a job where I worked for three weeks straight (all but Sundays) for 14 hours a day. The days were long and ended up feeling like Groundhog's Day after about day three. We were told to remember that for many, it was Day 1 of their experience on campus and to treat it as such. It sucked... always being chipper, trying to be extra polite when you didn't want to, but you did it. Because it was about making sure that the experience the participants had was a positive one.

Remember HR gatekeepers, you have a job. You can't fault people for trying to make their way. Remember that just because you may be having a bad day doesn't mean you have to "pay it forward" and spread your negativity.

::steps off soap box::

Just Keep Running.... Just Keep Running..... Running.... Running...... {and represent!!}

2010-08-10T19:04:00.002-04:00

Alright. So here's the deal. I have a secret.

I like running.

There. I said it.

And not only have I said it, I've committed to 2 5K races in September (Steelers/Gatorade 5K and 5K @ PIB), possibly one in October (ZooZilla Run), and then ::deep breath:: I'll be signing up for the Cleveland 10 Miler (in April) and the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon (in May).

Whew! And you know the funny thing? I'm completely excited about it. I can't wait! Sure the registration fees aren't the greatest thing in the world, and no I won't win any of the races. But, I run for me. I run to know that I've accomplished something that I've set out to do. Plus, I get great satisfaction that I run and my husband doesn't. ~~I feel vastly superior.~~ JP doesn't need to run races to feel like he's accomplished something, so long as he cariovascularly fit, he's cool with that. Me? I need that finish line to feel like I'm accomplishing something.

I also hit another milestone last weekend.... FOUR MILES!!! FOUR!! F-O-U-R!!! I ran four whole miles, and I still managed to keep a good pace. How sweet is that!? Now, on to more of them, and consecutively...man! I gotta build all the way up to THIRTEEN WHOLE MILES! (Eek!)

So I'll keep running... and running.... and running.

::Sidenote::
A former Bobcat has become one of the first ever Nike Run Reporters! Congrats Shamus!!

Dear University of XYZ,

2010-08-10T14:40:00.000-04:00

I would like to politely remind you that there's a reason people say, "Third time's a charm." Mmmmkay?

Please and thank you!

In the words of my brother, "GOO!!"

2010-07-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

Through the trusty world of The Nest ::insert eye roll by just about everyone I know:: I have one contact in the entire city of Pittsburgh. It's like fishing out there on TN, you throw a line out there with a juicy worm and you see what bites. Luckily for me I got couple, one in particular (the "insider") that has been able to give me some ins and outs of The University of XYZ.

As I've mentioned before I have three jobs (but probably 2 at this point) that have potential to develop. One of said jobs happens to be in the student affairs division. The "insider" gave me the name of a guy who might be able to help me get my foot in the door, or at the very least (hopefully) pass my resume and cover letter off to the right person. And, per creature of habit tendencies, I Facebook stalked this individual. Turns out the contact person is from CLEVELAND!!!! Now, I'm all for helping a person out, especially if they ask for it, but when it's someone from your hometown!? C'mon.... throw a girl a bone!!

Naturally I got all excited and in a tizzy of typing and attempting to sound semi-professional ~~and not at all crazy~~, I went to switch the screen and "save" the email as a draft. What do I do? I send the friggin' thing! I SENT IT!! I sent the thing MID SENTENCE.

::headdesk::

Is there any saving this? People do this all the time. Right?

It didn't matter, I had to sent a complete and coherent email. So I retyped, appologized for the incomplete email and attempted to make some joke about technology eluding me. So we'll see where this lands me.

PS- I called HR to follow up on a job I had applied to and asked for a contact person in the department and they said they couldn't give it to me. Fail HR department, FAIL. I'm hoping that in the process of me trying to get information out of the woman she realized how absolutely useless she was sounding.

Do you run? What do you listen to?

2010-07-21T20:47:00.004-04:00

So I would hope by now we know that I'm not the greatest runner in the world. In fact, running (back when it resembled something that might be in my vocabulary) only lasted 1:30... that's a minute and thirty seconds. Exactly the length of one floor routine. There was also the dead sprint for 72 feet... take your pick. Either way, it was something I only did rarely. In fact, I think I may have even had a "doctor's appointment" the day we were supposed to run from the gym down to the practice fileds on Old Stadium Drive- shhhh, don't tell Pete!

In college, when I saw that everyone else and their brother were running for exercise, I thought I might give it a go. Turns out, it was horrible. Running without music is like watching the "calorie counter" on the treadmill turn over- it's daunting... and depressing. I hear my heart beat. I count my breaths. I try to keep the "in, in, out, out" rythm but inevitably get out of sync. Music, and ~~Dad cover your eyes~~ loud music, seemed to be the only thing to prevent me from hearing myself run. It had to be angry/heavy scream level music, like I had to get angry to run or something.

After college, and after the wedding, I thought I'd give running another go. At that point, in Walmart (I know, I know) I saw a cardio mix of techo-ish music from the '60's- fully supported by Richard Simmons no less. Regardless, it kept me in rythm and I managed to pace myself extremely well. So well to the point that if I knew what song I was on, I knew how far I had run. Since then I've managed to enjoy the rest of the music on my MP3 player and not have to worry about getting out of rythm.

Now that I've moved, I've got a new love... and her name is Lady Gaga. Ugh! Love that woman. L.O.V.E. her!!! Run starts off with a little Alejandro, move to Bad Romance, Beautiful.... and on and on. She's got a great beat and what's even better is that I forget I'm running when I listen to her!

So I'm asking, "What do you listen to when you work out/run/exercise? What get's you goin'?"

Another "thanks, but no thanks"...

2010-07-20T18:12:00.000-04:00

This time it actually was from ABC University. I do, however, only believe that it was because I had emailed the director of the office directly. The official "no" came in the form of a "FW: FW" from a dude in their HR department and not the director. Thanks for emailing me back jackass. A little decency goes a long way in my book- especially at this point. As of now, there's one position left at ABC University, three at the University of XYZ (but most likely 2), and then one job at two or three other schools in the area.

Humpf!

At any rate, in an attempt to return our lives to somewhat normalcy (really, that's how you spell it?) we headed to PNC to open bank accounts. Upon arrival we met a lovely woman with hair straight out of the 80's. I mean it.was.high. Like a whole bottle of aqua net high. Lots of mumble jumble ensued, and I can only hope that JP understood most of it. Chit chat chit chat chit chat.... a ha!!! What's that you say dearest bank woman? You live next to the superintendent of [a local school district]? Is that so? Well you know, JP just applied there. ::insert death glare from dearest husband::

::tangent:: The man for the life of me won't network. I'm sorry... isn't the point of network to get your foot in a door or to gain otherwise elusive knowledge? Liven up a bit when the woman says she knows someone... talk to the neighor who might know someone.... ::end tangent::

We were nearing the end of completing the paperwork, chit chat chit chat, and the woman reiterates that she'll drop a comment to her neighbor! Now, I know it's a long shot, but if JP gets a phone call in the next two weeks... that woman is getting a dozen roses.

Ja Ja Jaded

2010-07-14T17:52:00.000-04:00

Dear ABC HR Department,

You continue to amaze me in your lack of knowledge. I call four times in the last month and I get the same answer every time. You might as well record the answer and get rid of the individual I keep talking to. I find it incredibly frustrating that, despite the recommendation of most higher ed professionals to avoid calling the department directly, I have to call said hiring department just to get an answer. I don't appreciate you telling me you have no effing clue what's going on, only to call the department myself and learn they're in the middle of hiring someone. Why don't you know what's going on dear HR department? Is it some cruel joke to essentially play ding-dong ditch with applicants and future employees? If you're supposed to be responsible for posting said jobs and accepting the applications of hundreds of prospective candidates, don't you have, at the very least, the common courtesy to keep up on where each job search is? And wouldn't the polite thing to do be call an applicant back after he or she has left a message with contact number? I don't understand why it's so difficult.

Jadedly yours forever,
B

PS- There is an exceptionally honorable woman in _ _ _ _ _ Office who not only took down my name, number, and inquiry, but had the stones to call me back. Take a lesson from said lady and treat your applicants with respect.

I should note that while I take offense to one HR department in particular at the moment, I've found that most HR departments are particularly useless.

Repurposing...

2010-07-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

Main Entry: re·pur·pose
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)rē-ˈpər-pəs\
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1984: to give a new purpose or use to

Now, back in 2nd grade, I'm pretty sure Miss Porterfield told us that you weren't supposed to use the word in the definition, but if Mirriam and Webster go with it, I'm going with it.

At any rate, for the time being, the blog will be rededicated to documenting an individual's search for a job in higher education, within a new city and zero networking contacts in place.

Back in January I emailed a woman at the University of XYZ. I had been watching a job posting that hadn't budged since October. When I initially contacted her, all I wanted to know was where in the hiring process they were. She asked if I applied. Hurriedly, I got my resume and cover letter together and applied. Why yes I have just applied, I responded. She asked me to call the following week to chat. SCORE!!! Turned out our timelines were off and the position would be a "no go" for me. I followed up three months later as the position still hadn't been filled letting her know I was interested, and that my timeline was better suited for making a move. Turns out they were just dealing with some contract hang-ups and was hiring someone. Boo, but she'd let me know if anything was to become available. Good in theory I suppose... someone looking out for me on the inside- fingers crossed. That was in April.

At the end of May I got an email from said woman, informing me that ANOTHER position was opening and that if interested I should apply. SA-WEET! Again I went, rewriting the cover letter and tweaking the resume. June 2nd, contacted for an interview June 3rd- EEK! Whirlwind to the city of Pittsburgh, I walked out of the interview on Cloud 9. It was a dream job to start off with. The people I met were fantastic, and most of all, I felt insanely comfortable with them... maybe too comfortable? They ended up going with an internal candidate... some with more "XYZ Experience." Meh. I think she tried to make me feel better when she commented about the "Catch 22" being "how do you get experience if no one will hire you?" No shit lady.

After being turned down for the job, the following morning I got a call for another position in literally the next building over. I went in for the interview and walked out feeling overwhelmed and underprepared for such a task. My experiences dealing with budgetary issues is severely limited and think that's what ultimately canned me. I was supposed to hear last Wednesday or Thursday for a 2nd interview on Friday. Fail.

Now, having said all of this, there were still 4 positions I had yet to hear from. Another at XYZ (who I never did hear from, just saw through my log-in information that the position had been "filled"), and three positions literally down the road at ABC University. Now my experience with ABC University in the past has always been a bit jaded. Last years experience left me with an interview phone call three days after I accepted an internship and signed a lease in Athens (for a job I applied to IN JANUARY!). For the three positions that are currently "active," I have yet to hear anything since applying for them in April and May. And HR is no help.

::tangent:: What is the purpose of HR if they act inhumanely toward potential employees of an establishment, and fail to provide any useful information (read- where in the search process a department is) to the applicant? ::end tangent::

So I sit here, channeling a woman whose words I attempt to keep in the forefront of my mind. As an individual who's had her fair share of moving, to places where she knew no one, had no connections, and still managed to find employment, she at the moment is my guiding light.

My Life is Spinning Out of Control...

2010-07-02T17:31:00.000-04:00

Thanks in large part to moving away from the only home I've known as an adult, where I had a somewhat normal life where there were schedules and routines and places to exercise frequently. Moving has really got me in a funk.

Let's look at this piece by piece. Have I run in the last two months? No. Have I frequently tried to hoan my photography skills, baked without procrastination or from scratch? No. Have I kayaked at all this summer? No.

I did manage to play some bingo with Bubba, go to the Carnegie Science Center, and spend an evening on the South Side of Pittsburgh. Check, check, check off the 101 in 1001. And while all of these things were meant to broaden my horizons and make my life more meaningful, I feel like a whole huge chunk of my being is suddenly gone.

How can a place fill so much of my being? I'm channeling higher education and student development theory here (something I thought I'd never willingly do unless backed into a corner)... Has so much of my identity relied on a small corner of Ohio? Did I give myself a false sense of security and confidence, unknowingly relying on something other than myself to survive?

Friends, family, and probably even strangers are probably thinking that what I'm feeling is normal, and that it will eventually go away with time, adjustment, and a healthy level of coping.

To cope and get away from the rigors of life I do three things. Run, take pictures, and think about weddings. I have two other blogs that I used to frequently update with new adventures around campus, home, excursions. I'd talk about ways to save money, plan a better reception, or have the best ceremony location. The odd thing is... I still have that much to talk about. I just spent a week in Cancun, Mexico, and pseudo coordinated a wedding. I've taken tons of pictures in June and crossed a ton off my 101 in 1001. The trouble is, I lack complete motivation to update you on any of it.

I feel like I'm floating. Floating along like a bubble at the mercy of the wind. Blow where it may, I feel like I have absolutely no control over where I'll ~~pop~~ land.

Looks Like We Made It..... (insert cheesey chorus music here)

2010-06-20T22:42:00.005-04:00

**WARNING... This post is going to be EXTREMELY long...**

Well, we've landed safely in Pennsylvania. Me, JP, Myron, and a very groggy Troy made the three hour trek northeast to WashPA. The drive wasn't so bad once I managed to choke back the tears. I hate being my mother's daughter. Waterworks in an instant, drop of a hat, you name it and I could cry on cue... bodes well for having that up my sleeve when I really want something, no? We said goodbye to our dear neighbors Traveis and Georgia, and Myron had one last "outside?" with Luke before we left.

Myron rode with JP, and I had the pleasure of driving a doped up cat northward. Let me tell you, a cat who is on crazy sleepy, not quite enough to completely knock you out, but cohearent enough to rouse every 30 minutes to attack the shifter pills, was an experience. Nevermind the fact that when Troy did rouse he made this absoultely awful noise that sounded like a cat in heat mixed with one that was dying. It was awful and horrible. Called my mom to find out if what I was experiencing was actually normal for drugged cat. Turns out it was, but was nevertheless, it was distressing.

Troy spent the night in the downstairs bath sleeping off his traveling coma. There were ~~two~~ three big obstacles JP and I faced moving Troy back to PA. The first is that the MIL isn't exactly fond of cats. Not sure it is/was a lack of knowledge, but she seems to find him at the very least, amusing. But, the two main concerns were Troy on the leather furniture and figuring out how to use the litter box in a new place. Prior to moving back, JP and I looked into alternatives to declawing Troy in the back. We landed on the idea of Soft Paws, a plastic covering glued in place that covers the nail and stays in place for... well, we don't know how long really- provided Troy doesn't bite them off before the glue dries. So far they seem to be working well.

At any rate, the first three days JP and I were officially boomerang children, we tried organizing the downstairs basement as best we could considering the other things there (read the SIL and not-boyfriend Joey's stuff from their apartment/dorm rooms). Here's the current state of the basement sans three dressers, four car tires, two kayaks, and two TVs in the garage.

Want to know about my wrist? Here's a picture of it three days after I attempted to slit my wrists (jokes of course) while packing. The ER doc spent all of 15 seconds looking at it, telling me that the stitches looked good and there wasn't an infection. Well thanks doc, pretty sure I could have told you that. I then proceeded to wait another 20 minutes before I was given a gauze and cheap wrap for the wrist. They told me to see my GP 8-10 days later to have the stitches removed. And, since I'm my father's daughter, that won't be happening. I believe Dr. Wiggy will be in tomorrow and I'll be removing them myself. I figured I'll keep the $25 copay, since I was forced to pay another ER bill to have the doc spend 15 seconds with me and figure it out myself.

So tomorrow I'll take the stiches out myself. Can't be too hard, snip the thread and pull it out with some tweezers. Goop up the Neosporin, add some gauze, wrap it up, and repeat as necessary... or at least until my caboose lands in Cancun, Mexico on Thursday.

I do think we're all still adjusting... there's 5 people and 2 animals living in a house I'm sure was only intended for 4 humans. We're still figuring out schedules, routines, who pays for what, chore lists, who's cooking dinner.

And I know I'm still adjusting to being unemployed. It's day 20 of official unemployment and again I say, I am my father's daughter. I need to work. It's what keeps me sane. And while I'm not saying that being here is preventing me from staying sane, it's just toying with how I cope. Just one more thing I guess I'm supposed to be learning at the moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a side note... Happy Father's Day Daddio! I love you more than words can say. You are the person that challenges more than I care to be challenged and loves me more than I'll ever know. Thank you for always being there, letting me complain when I need to, and bringing me back to reality when necessary. I hope you've had a wonderful day and can't wait to see you!

MIA

2010-06-10T18:55:00.001-04:00

I really have no idea why the month of May escaped me. The whole month seemed to completely elude me. I didn't bake. I didn't take any good pictures. I didn't post. Nothing. Helloooooo slacker!

I think a lot of it has to do with being busy packing and job searching... and spending over a week at the glorious cottage.

Jason has applied for a few jobs, as have I. I was also lucky enough to have a job interview last Wednesday. The one important question, "what's your timeline moving forward?" never seems to be one that comes to mind during the actual interview. As such, I followed up with an email the following Monday (this past Monday) to see where things stand. I have yet to hear back. Hopefully I'll hear something tomorrow. Jason's search continues to be slow, but from what we can tell many of the schools haven't updated their sites (some since February), so things are still promising.

As I mentioned, JP, Myron, Troy and I are all moving to PA.... specifically, in with my glorious and gracious in-laws. It really is amazing to assess the amount of crap one accumulates in the time span of seven years. Embarassing really. And when it comes down to parting with some of it, I can't. For whatever reason. I'm hoping that once JP and I are gainfully employed, the follow up move will allow us to purge the unnecessary things. Hopefully.

We're moving on Saturday. Quite possibly the worst day to pick. That same weekend it is also OHIO's undergraduate commencement and the granddaddy of all move-out weekends. Did I mention the entire region of Athens is covered in orange barrels? At any rate, we've started packing. Lots of boxes and more dressers than we know what to do with. This morning however, I subconsciously decided that I was a) done packing or b) really don't want to leave Athens. Reason? I managed to slice my wrist open leaving a one inch gash in my left wrist requiring three stictches.

My first set of consciously obtained stitches. I was a champ. JP however, managed to get light-headed and needed to sit down. How sweet! The good news is I should be healed up in time for Cancun. Priorities right?

Happy {belated} Mothers Day!

2010-05-10T20:37:00.001-04:00

Happy {belated} Mother's Day!

Mothers are such wonderful people.

My mother, in particular is especially wonderful. She's got "mommy magic." Back about eight years ago (really? I'm telling a story from eight years ago!?) mom and I took a trip to visit Ohio University and (THE)Ohio State University. After a day at OU, we headed toward Columbus. It poured. Buckets. I remember driving in the left hand lane and seeing a wall of water come crashing over the median wall from a dump truck. I called dad to see if we could get a company discount on a hotel. For whatever reason I ended up not feeling well that night and she sat next to me. Me on my stomach and her just rubbing my back... you know, that comforting, soothing, lull-you-to-sleep type of rub. After a few minutes my stomach ache went away. For everybody its different. I'm not even sure my brother gets Mommy Magic. I do though, it's it's awesome. That small bit of whatchamacallit that always works... that always does the trick.

She's strong. Battling daily to keep the body moving, her fight with primary and secondary symptoms of MS constantly amazes me. Mostly there are good days, but every now and again there are bad ones. When she was first diagnosed, I was in my second year of college, and happened to be learning about MS in one of my biology classes. Scary in it's own right, she continues to get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other.

She's got this infectious laugh. Well, maybe not so much a laugh as a behavior she does when she's laughing. When you catch her so completly off guard with something funny she bypasses laughing for sheer silence. You know, that silence you achieve when you cease to continue breathing for a brief moment? It's my goal to get her to do that at least once every time I'm home. Doesn't really take much to get her going... especially when you mimic the action before it happens- seems to almost instigate it.

She's an artist. Over the last few years I've watched her interests and hobbies change. It's good to have hobbies. Keeps the mind nimble. As of late, her glasswork has really taken off. She's seemed to find her niche of what she wants to design. Naturally Catawba is always a work in progress but watching her create new work always amazes me. For someone to dedicate so much time and effort to something is truly remarkable. Plus, for a woman who claimed to have zero artistic talent when I was growing up, she's really come into her own.

She's a friend. A very best friend. Telling me the truth when I don't want to hear it. Letting me vent about crazy people. Letting me celebrate little life victories.

As a person I truly admire, I want(ed) to wish you a very Happy Mother's Day. Thank you for everything you do and for everything you inspire me to be.

I love you.

And to Alison. I couldn't be more greatful to you for welcoming me into your life. It is an honor to be your daughter-in-law. Love ya!

My mom taught me to be the best person you can be. Strive to live your life to the fullest and don't let one day go by without trying to live it the best way you can.

-Anonymous

The Hubs Cooks...

2010-04-22T08:20:00.000-04:00

I bake. It's a match made in culinary heaven. And one, I might add, that is particularly necessary considering my attempt at Chicken Paprikash my junior year of college.

Anywho- we've got this great Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Cream Sauce recipe, and I thought I'd share.

I literally could have licked the plate clean!

I completely forgot to tell you!

2010-04-15T10:10:00.000-04:00

Every Monday, and occasional Thursday I get to go in late to work. The interns have a rotating shift where, on the evenings they work study hall (6-9PM) we come in at noon to recoup those three hours.

Great deal for me! Gives me an excuse to run, clean up the house, scour the interweb for more wedding ideas, whatevs....

So this past Monday, I decided I'd be a good little athlete and head out for a run along the Hocking. I grabbed my iPod mini, car key (as to not have excessive key-age while running), purse with wallet, locked the door and headed to campus. The run, quite honestly sucked. Meh. Whatever. I also ended up running the stadium stairs, which I thought was a rather sweet accomplishment considering the run was not so great.

At the end of the run, I got back in my car and headed home. No big deal. However, upon my arrival, I got out of the car only to stare at my back door ::facepalm:: Or better yet, it was one of those "throw your head back and drag your hands" behaviors you exemplify as a three year old.

I quickly remembered my oh-so talented neighbors and their skills in delinquency. On several occasions, the two of them have mentioned locking themselves out of their own house. I'm in luck! I'll just card my way in! Should be easy enough, right?

Wrong.

Apparently, I missed that day in school when they teach you how to pick locks and card your way into your own home.

Fine. I get back in my car and head over to the main office of our complex. Sign on the door reads: Office Hours 7-12 and 2-5. Awesome. Pull the door to walk in. Thud. The sign lied. One might think this would be a prime time to whip out the cellular and call the landlord, and one would be correct in assuming this idea did flash through my mind. The catch? The cell phone was sitting on the kitchen table next to the house keys. Seriously, who was I going to call on a run?

By this time it was 9:30 and I still had plenty of time to figure something out. But I needed to find clothes for work. Sure, I could have shown up in my Reebok running pants, tank, and sport bra, but typical workplace attire typically frowns upon such an outfit. Next best thing? SHOPPING! Of course, not the most ideal of circumstances to go shopping. In Athens there's nothing more than Walmart, Cato's, and Maurices. I was rather ticked by the slim picking in Walmart, considering they're supposed to be the "go to" store in this town, but Cato's ended up working out. Why couldn't I have gotten locked out in Washington, PA where my retail options included Old Navy and Gap... mmmmm!

At 11:30 I showed up at work, head to toe in new clothing... right down to the undies.

Is job searching addictive?

2010-04-14T13:37:00.000-04:00

I think so.

Several months ago I wrote about having very little motivation to scour the job search engines in an effort to find gainful employment after this internship. Maybe then I was more honest with myself than I though, knowing I wouldn't be able to leave the hubs or my current position for something else. I'd like to think I was a more honorable person than to just completely up and leave a $5.00 an hour gig.

At any rate, for the last several weeks I have spent the majority of my days scanning prospective employer HR sites, Higher Ed Jobs, N4A, BlueFish, and the NCAA Marketplace. And when I say majority, I literally mean every 30 minutes to an hour I make my run through the gauntlet. Productive I know.

Such thorough perusing did generate three jobs I seriously considered and applied for. That being said, it is absolutely remarkable the number of job titles out there that lead you to believe you have found the Holy Grail of jobs, only to find out its something completely different (read: Student Success Advisor = Employee of the Registrar... WTH?).

The bonus to my job searching is that jobs for JP have also started to slowly open. Last night we spent a good hour or two editing his cover letter. I love the hubs dearly, but as he already knows, he needs to stick with the math.

Sometimes I'm good.... But more often than not... I'm so bad.

2010-04-05T20:22:00.000-04:00

Can anyone else see the weird coloring around their faces?

Or the blurriness?

Or unless the subject is perfectly still all the photos have stared coming out like this.

Since I've started exploring all of the different settings in the FinePix S5200 I'm starting to become less impressed, considering I have friends who have recently purchased cameras and straight from the box are able to virtually point and shoot perfection straight out of the box. So what am I doing wrong?

Any and all advice is welcome!

The Day David Slay Goliath

2010-03-19T08:58:00.002-04:00

For a team that only managed to finish the season 7-9 in the conference for the season, winning an automatic bid meant the team had to clinch the championship in the MAC Conference game. And they did. With the incredible win over Akron last week, the win automatically punched their card for one of the biggest and best dances in the land.

While the team has been to the dance several times, last night marked the first win for OHIO since 1983.

The team was HOT!!!

(R-E-D, RED, H-O-T, HOT, YOU AIN'T GOT THE STUFF WE GOT, UH-HUH, UH-HUH, UH-HUH, UH-HUH, UH-HUH!!!)

Armon Bassett and DJ Cooper were on fire scoring 32 and 23 points, respectively. Several others aided in the team's success over Georgetown with great rebouding by DeVaugh Washinton, and three-point shots by Tommy Freeman. Freeman eventually fouled out of the game with only seconds left. According to Pap... you haven't played your best unless you've fouled out. Means you've played with heart and passion.

Here's some more OHIO LOVE.

And for your viewing pleasure... National Eye Candy.

Image courtesey of Yahoo!

Image courtsey of USA Today

Happy Birthday to Two Fabulous Ladies!!

2010-03-15T08:48:00.000-04:00

High Five Tuesdays

2010-03-10T12:13:00.002-05:00

This is why I love college students.

Move It.

2010-03-10T08:36:00.005-05:00

This week, March 8-14, 2010, marks National Multiple Sclerosis Society's MS Awareness Week.

There are several ways to help out support the cause, whether walking, riding, or volunteering. Individuals can raise money to participate in local events around the nation.

Participating in one of the events in your area supports individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and the research out there to fight it.

Strength is not physical endurance, it is indomitable will.
-Ghandi

Quote

2010-03-04T10:04:00.000-05:00

Taxman... BOOOOOOO!!!

2010-02-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

Note to self: Get cracking on #14 on the 101 in 1001. When you don't make much, you don't get much back.

Ana Pascal, Stranger Than Fiction

No Love for the First NFL Scouting Combine-Bound Bobcat

2010-02-28T15:24:00.001-05:00

OHIO's first NFL Scouting Combine invitee Taylor Price received little love from the NFL Network this year.

As a girl who despised the combine and draft last year, this year I feel I have a vested interest in its outcome. Not only is Price a Bobcat, he's one of my Bobcats! I had the opportunity to spend all of last year working with Taylor, academically. I think it's different when you actually know a player.

I whole-heartedly understand that he's an underdog. The sleeper of the 2010 Draft... much like his former teammate Michael Mitchell, to the Oakland Raiders in the 2009 Draft. I even understand that coming from Ohio University doesn't exactly get you more credit on the field, despite being nominated for the Biletnikoff Award and tapped as one of the upcoming stars in the Senior Bowl.

We'll just have to wait to see how April 22nd and 23rd plays out, and whether or not he really is a Top 60 pick.

Image courtesy of NFL.com

One (or two or three) for the "W" Column

2010-02-27T09:48:00.001-05:00

Ever have a day where you feel like you've got a "win" in your back pocket?

This week has been a week of wins for me.

Over the last eight weeks I've really struggled with how much I actually do for the guys. And not in the sense of I bring home work, work on the weekends, and after hours. I mean for them personally. With a background in student development, and as an agent of student success I strive to see that my athletes succeed.

And while I still hit road blocks (read 8:00AM phone call from the boss asking if I knew about a kid failing), in the last two weeks I've had some really big wins for myself.

It started one afternoon walking the 4th floor of study hall, where I came across one of my guys reading The Expectant Father. ::Insert deer-in-the-headlights:: When I asked what he was reading, he' flipped the cover of the book over and showed me. Somehow I managed to keep my shock at bay and muster a positive comment. Since that day, he's come to my office to share developing details, and just this week that they're having a girl. I know this situation is less than an ideal one, but I feel like if I'm one person that can be excited for them, so be it.

Two other wins this week included two separate athletes coming to tell me he had gotten a "B-" on an English paper (this is a HUGE win in the eyes of a football player) and a "C" on a Marketing exam. I'm super excited about the Marketing grade because I helped him study for it- turns out Marketing is somewhat instinctual (from the material we were covering).

The granddaddy of them all though came Friday afternoon. Several of the guys were sitting around in the computer lab when one caught wind that I was leaving at the end of the school year. It's a year-long internship. Turns out several of the players (mostly the freshmen) thought I was full time; this isn't exactly shocking considering they weren't aware that an intern existed before me. What's weird is that this discussion was evoking a rather upset response from some of the players I, quite honestly, didn't think I had an established rapport with. I think it's incredibly interesting to learn who you've actually impacted.

Back in grad school I had a class about vocation, a calling, a career you were supposed to do. I feel like this past week has really reaffirmed my decision to be in this field. And while it's possible to go several weeks and months without a win, when you get one (or two or three or five), it's totally worth the wait.

Alrighty...

2010-02-21T14:24:00.002-05:00

Okay, new format going on here. Relatively similar to the old one, but now there are links at the top.

My 101 in 1001 has been moved to it's own tab where I will continue to update on my progress. I have also linked Wiggy Say Cheese and Wiggletified. Wiggy Say Cheese will continue to be updated with good photos, along with my "take a photograph once a month I would hang in my house." Wiggletified will continue to stay quiet. Sorry Alison.

flingin flangin

2010-02-20T14:12:00.004-05:00

i hate blogger right now and really wish i had the ability to read and write in HTML language

also- for any of my favorite readers out there who have recently added "tabs" to their blogger page, do you know how to "add an entry" on the tab rather than just writing in the text box?

Please excuse the dust

2010-02-16T09:24:00.001-05:00

101 in 1001

2010-02-07T12:11:00.003-05:00

101 in 1001 was a project started back in 2003 as a way to track and motivate people to declare and progress toward meeting their goals. Simple concept, right?

I'm looking at it as a New Year's Resolution for the next two and a half years. Below is my list.

Start Date: February 7, 2010
End Date: November 4, 2012

Health and Fitness
1. Try kickboxing
2. Kayak around Pittsburgh
3. Start swimming again
4. Participate in a sprint triathlon
5. Run 5 5Ks (0/5)
6. Convince Jason to run a 5K
7. Run two 10Ks (0/2)
8. Run a half marathon
9. Run 500 miles
10. Forgo fast food/eating out for a month (0/1)
11. Drink nothing but water for a month (0/1)
12. Lose another 25 pounds (0/25)
13. Get a yearly physical (0/3)

Professional
14. Get a job
15. Rejoin ACPA and one other professional development organization
16. Attend a conference for said organizations (0/2)

Financial
17. Put money away each month for a DP on a house (0/6)
18. Start retirement funds

Self-Fulfillment
19. Donate old clothing
20. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
21. Send a box of holiday items to members of our troops (0/2)
22. Send 12 holiday cards to veterans at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital (0/24)
23. Donate to St. Jude’s research hospital
24. Start recycling
25. Find a church
26. Read the Bible
27. Donate $0.01 to a penny jar for every time I swear (and then donate the money)
28. Donate $5.00 to a charity for every incomplete goal

Family and Friends
29. Host game night (0/12)
30. Ride on Jeff’s Harley
31. Surprise my husband
32. Send 12 “just because” cards (0/12)
33. Help sell my mom’s art at a craft show (0/3)
34. Visit Traveis and Georgia post Athens
35. Spend a weekend with Grams
36. Spend a weekend with my dad
37. Spend a weekend with my mom
38. Take a trip with Megan and Adam
39. Play bingo with Bubba
40. Start a family
41. Celebrate (or send a card) for each parent, sibling, or grandparent’s birthday (0/30)

House and Home
42. Buy a house
43. Find or make a piece of art we really love
44. Plant a garden
45. Eat only the vegetables grown in the garden for a summer
46. Keep fresh flowers in the house during the summer (0/9)
47. Take a photograph once a month I would hang in my house (0/33)
48. Bake once a month (0/33)
49. Bake and decorate a cake
50. Try 12 vegetarian dishes (0/12)
51. Make dinner for my husband (0/4)
52. Learn to sew… effectively
53. Take the dog for a walk (0/33)
54. Purchase a large piece of furniture
55. Refinish both bedroom sets
56. Re-tile a bathroom
57. Renovate a room
58. Hang a picture wall
59. Do a load of laundry- wash, dry, fold, put away- at least once a month (0/33)

Travel
60. Update my passport
61. Spend a weekend at a bed and breakfast
62. Meet Nesties for a GTG
63. Take a road trip down the East coast
64. Complete a “Homeless in New York” weekend
65. Spend at least 10 weekends at the cottage (0/10)
66. Visit some place tropical
67. Travel back to Europe
68. Take a ski vacation out East
69. Take a ski vacation out West
70. Go camping (0/4)

Miscellaneous
71. Call and order Chinese food
72. Shoot a gun
73. Watch 10 scary movies
74. Purchase something off Craig’s List
75. Go sledding at Grandma and Pap’s
76. Send out Christmas cards (0/2)
77. Meet someone famous
78. Watch the NFL Combine
79. Watch an entire NFL Draft
80. Play hooky twice a year (0/6)
81. Spend an entire weekend watching movies
82. Get a manicure
83. Help a friend move
84. Attend a Pens game
85. Get a new tattoo
86. Donate blood eight times (0/8)
87. Get re-certified in CPR
88. Spend an evening on the South Side
89. Go to the Carnegie Science Museum
90. Stand up for someone in a wedding
91. Rake the leaves in someone else’s yard
92. Clean a fish
93. Buy a car
94. Read six books (0/6)
95. Start drawing again
96. Take a photography class
97. Take a pottery class
98. Pick apples from an apple orchard
99. Buy lunch for someone
100. Barter
101. Create another 101 in 1001 list

Know your limits, but never stop trying to exceed them.

-Unknown

I let my [blog] become the smelly kid?

2010-02-02T18:03:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I let my blog become the smelly blog.

You know, the one that sits at the bottom of your blog-roll, unattended to. The one that hasn't been updated and you seriously ponder the owner's commitment to blogging.

Ya, that's me. I've neglected my blogging duties and I feel horrible about it.

Unfortunately January wasn't all that exciting. JP and I have gotten back into the swing of things down here in Athens, but have found that it's becoming harder and harder to return once we've left. We're ready to go, more so than ever, and returning only reminds us that we've got four more months.

We did however manage to do one really big, huge, ginormous, hugundo thing. I mean it's big. Really big. Something quite uncharacteristic for two penny pinching tight-wads.

We booked a trip to Cancun, Mexico!!

Yup, we did it. There are some things that JP and I would like to do before we have kids and traveling is one of them. There's three trips in total we'd like to pursue, and we got to check mine off first! We're staying at the Excellence Riviera Cancun and will be gone June 24-July 1... perfect timing for two individuals who will be moving at the beginning of June and job hunting. Ahhh well. What can you do?

::insert practical, logical, and all other important reasons why not to:: ~~Consider briefly.~~ Ignore.

Other than that, things, like I said, are pretty quiet.

Happy [Belated] Birthday to ME!!

2010-01-03T09:58:00.006-05:00

Twenty-five. Five-squared. A quarter of a century. Half way to (gasp) fifty!

I'm not normally one to bring up my birthday. I've always felt... self-conscious? Of course, it's not my fault that my parents did the dirty deed, timing my birth to land five days after Christmas, but it's awkward on some level. Especially when meeting new people.

Oh, you say you'd like to exchange gifts for Christmas and birthdays? Sounds like a grand old time! I hope you saved some of that Christmas cash... my birthday's five days after. Peace.

So I've never really brought it up. When I met JP, he made my birthday a big deal. Birthdays are a big deal with his family, and think that's great. With him, my birthday doesn't feel like a hindrance and he'll always go out of his way to make sure we do something fun or special.

This year we headed to IKEA! ::squeal:: I l.o.v.e. this place!!

How amazing is that closet?!

Annndddd..... I got these!! Look Kerri!! Brand new running shoes! With my goal to run 500 miles this year, new kicks were definitely in order.

New Year's Resolutions- Recap and New Ones

2009-12-28T10:11:00.006-05:00

Last year I posted about these resolutions. And for the most part, JP and I were successful.

I did forego all consumption of pop and have had this little gem sitting in the back of my fridge for the last couple weeks. While I wasn't able to lose the 35 pounds I had wanted to, I did lose a good 30. And finally, on to saving money. We did save. A little. Oh, and I finished my seminar paper and graduated! Woot!

JP was good about eating his RDA of fruits and vegetables for the first six months of the year. It got to the point during staff meetings at school, he was the first to break into the bag of apples. How good of him! Although he's less religous about it now, he's more conscious about what he's eating, and that's what counts.

So this year's resoultions?

Move out of Athens
Find a job
Lose another 20-30 pounds
Run 500 miles
Enter 2 5Ks (or maybe a 5K and a 10K) and the Friends of the Riverfront Adventure Triathlon

JP's resolutions... He's still working on them.

Christmas in Pictures

2009-12-27T21:34:00.005-05:00

MAC [East] Championships

2009-12-06T10:06:00.014-05:00

About two weeks ago the OHIO Bobcats clinched the MAC East by beating Temple 35-17. It was a glorious victory after being harassed by a co-workers father for the preceding two weeks about how "great" Temple was supposed to be. So with that, the boys were headed up to Detroit, Michigan for the MAC Championship game against Central Michigan.

Now, Central Michigan, prior to our meeting, had won three of the last four MAC Championships. It definitely showed. And while I would say that the "Chips" were better, I'm not actually able to say by a definitive margin. I believe that we beat ourselves. We let poor decisions and failure to hydrate stymie our ability to legitimately go after the win.

I was able to weasel a trip out of the gig to help out with tickets... a fair reward after working with the team all season, I thought. Five and a half hours later, we arrived at the Detroit Marriott. It was gorgeous. Hella big and hella confusing. The structure is a circle. Simple for most to understand... especially for you math folk reading out there. However, the structure seemed to allude every.single.one.of.us. Embarrassing really, especially when you're staying in the same hotel as your competition. So it was especially pleasing to walk past CMU staff/players/family, just as confused as we were. Above is the view from our hotel room. Down the street from Ford Field and the Detroit Tigers stadium, and across the river from Canada!

After we settled in, we headed down to the stadium for a walk-through. This was a rerally neat experience. The field for some reason, felt HUGE!! It was fun to watch coaches and players alike, walk out onto the field with an unknowing grin plastered on their face. Like that being on a professional field somehow directly induces greatness.

After a relatively solid first half, the boys completely fell apart in the second, and lost against Central Michigan, 20-10. Regardless, the boys completed a 9-3 season. A solid season in anyone's books.

We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time.

-Vince Lombardi

Here's my thought on practicality at the moment...

2009-11-22T13:55:00.006-05:00

Right now I'm not such a fan.

Unfortunately our current means of income severely inhibits my ability to remove this feeling. Since JP and I have decided to move at the end of the school year, I've been excitedly scouring real estate listing, furniture ideas, decorating ideas, the whole gamut.

But honestly, for what? Absolutely nothing is able to happen for at least another four months. The planner in me absolutely hates this.

We've saved. Sure. We'll continue to save. Absolutely. What I'm afraid of is the fact that we'll never spend the money we've saved. And no, we have no intention of spending every penny, but I'd like to get to a point where I can spend and have something to show for it. By the time we move from our current place in Athens, we will have spent nearly $26,000 on rent. ON RENT?!?!

::looks around for a brown paper bag::

Here are a few things we could have done with that $26,000:

1 year of tuition, room, and board at Ohio University for an out-of-state student
Could have purchased this car
Could have paid off nearly 25% of this house
Taken a two week vacation to Turks and Caicos (three times!)

I'm not sure if we'll ever get to the point in our lives where we're able to spend frivolously. And when I say frivolously, I mean spending with caution and thought, but still spending. I've always been taught to save. Put money away for a rainy day. But it's rained, and I still haven't spent the money. I took one spring break trip the entire time I was in college. The money was there, I had it. But I saved it.

In some ways I envy my brother and his ability to eat at Chipotle several times a week; to go out to the bars and drop twenty, or forty, or sixty bucks on drinking. The practical side of me is screaming at the thought of spending that much on alcohol, but there's no inhibition with him (or at least so it seems). Maybe it's birth order and I'm the more practical one, and he gets to be the younger, more fearless one.

Whatever the case may be, I'm tired of spending money on something I'll have nothing to show for. I'm tired of waiting to move on.

Oh, Canada!

2009-11-22T09:48:00.003-05:00

On Friday, I had 19 hits from Kingston, Ontario, in Canada. How crazy is that?!

All Eyes on Pittsburgh

2009-11-19T08:26:00.002-05:00

A most recent article on Inside Higher Ed has me concerned. Now, I'm all for working within the city limits of a mayor willing to temporarily change his name for a Steelers/Ravens game, but going after higher education makes me sick. I absolutely despise that education is the first to go when it comes to trying to balance a budget. I will be interested to see how this all plays out in the next few months, especially considering job applications will start soon.

Here's the article:

Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl, just seven years out of college, is igniting ire with his plan to levy a 1 percent tax on tuition collected by the city’s 10 nonprofit colleges and universities.

Introduced as part of Ravenstahl’s 2010 budget less than a week after he won reelection on Nov. 3, the so-called “Fair Share Tax” would raise $16.2 million in annual revenue for the city, his estimates claim. “We value Pittsburgh’s nonprofit community,” he said as he announced the tax. “They are our major employers, and a big part of why our economy continues to be strong. However, we can no longer afford to provide city services to those who are not paying their fair share.”

Students would have to pay between $27 and $409 annually, depending on tuition, to their colleges and universities, which would then remit the money to the city. Students at the Community College of Allegheny County would pay the least and students at Carnegie Mellon University would pay the most.

The state-appointed Pittsburgh Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority -- which counts four university-affiliated panelists among its five members -- rejected the budget Tuesday on the grounds that it violates Pennsylvania tax law, but the mayor vows to fight on. Because the panel's decision hinged on the fact that it had never been approved by a city or state legislative body, the mayor is now pursuing the next logical move -- convincing the City Council to approve the tax. "I’m going to continue to fight for the residents, continue to fight for what’s fair,” he said Wednesday.

But to the administrators and students at Pittsburgh’s institutions of higher education, the proposal is anything but fair. “We’re opposing the principle of taxing tuition,” said Mary Hines, president of the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE), which represents the city’s 10 nonprofit accredited colleges and universities. “It’s the mayor’s attempt to try to tax us to make up for our property tax-exempt status."

Pittsburgh would direct $15.2 million of the projected tuition tax revenue to its ailing pension fund and the remaining $1 million to its library system to keep branches open. Hines said she finds it “convenient” that the projected revenues fit so squarely with what would otherwise be the city’s budget deficit, especially since PCHE has “no idea what model the mayor used to come up with the $16 million estimate.”

The editorial boards of the student newspapers at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon have blasted the proposal, arguing that students do pay plenty of taxes to the city. The added cost “could prevent prospective students from coming to Carnegie Mellon and Pittsburgh would be missing out on some of the best talent from around the world,” read a staff editorial published Monday in The Tartan.

Ravenstahl’s press secretary, Joanna Doven, said the mayor is “a huge proponent of higher education and firmly believes that this 1 percent tax on tuition is not going to change a student’s mind” about enrolling in a college or university there. The University of Pittsburgh, she said, plans a 4 percent tuition hike next year. “A 1 percent tuition tax … is a small fraction of what that increase is going to be.”

Hines said the mayor was missing the fact that most students “are not paying the sticker price” and that tuition increases aren’t haphazard.

First in the Nation

A tuition tax in Pittsburgh would likely be the first in the nation, and much attention is focused on western Pennsylvania.

“As far as our research shows, there is no other city in the country that is taxing students’ tuition,” Hines said. Since Ravenstahl announced his proposal, “we’ve heard an outcry from institutions across the nation. We’re very sensitive to the fact that a lot of people out there are looking to us, to see what happens here in terms of what it could mean for them.”

Kim Griffo, director of the Clemson University-based International Town and Gown Association, said her group is watching carefully. “This is a hot topic across the country” that is “quietly brewing in university and college towns,” she said. “All eyes are on Pittsburgh to see how they handle this and whether it works.”

Other cities are trying to find some way of generating tax revenue from the thousands of students who study there each year. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched a task force in January to standardize and increase voluntary payments coming from the city’s colleges and universities, as well as its hospitals. David N. Cicilline, mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, this spring proposed a $150 per semester tax on students at the city’s four private colleges.

The Association of American Universities (AAU) first warned its 62 member institutions of the coming wave of municipalities looking to tax higher education about 18 months ago, said M. Matthew Owens, an associate vice president for federal relations. “States and localities look to universities as a revenue source in tough times,” he said. “The greater the pain gets, the more likely the momentum.”

Robert M. Berdahl, AAU’s president and former chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley, said Pittsburgh’s colleges and universities are facing a “perennial problem” of town-gown relations, where cities and towns search to find new ways of extracting revenue from the institutions that call them home. While he led Berkeley, he said, the city did “all kinds of studies” to try to find new sources of income from the university.

What Colleges Do Contribute

Beyond the challenges that municipalities face in trying to skirt tax-exempt status is the fact that many institutions do indeed make substantial contributions to their hometowns.
Colleges and universities, Berdahl said, don’t try to be free riders in their communities. Many “do contribute offset money for things like fire, police, sewage and so on …. They try to calculate their fair shares.”

In Pittsburgh, PCHE’s Hines said, the 10 colleges and universities pay $23 million annually in taxes to the city for payroll, parking, business privileges and any real estate not directly related to their educational missions.

Some also make voluntary contributions to the city’s public service fund, she said, although “fewer organizations are participating” than have in the past. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system has redirected a $10 million annual contribution from the fund to Pittsburgh Promise, a program created by Ravenstahl to fund college costs for the city’s top high school graduates. Others have backed out “for financial reasons, some for philosophical reasons.”

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, a member of the Pittsburgh City Council proposed a bill that would authorize a study of the value of property held by tax-exempt institutions and the costs the city incurs from providing services to its students. Under the plan, colleges and universities would then enter into negotiations to figure out acceptable values for their voluntary contributions.

In addition to institutional payments, students already contribute substantially to the city, said Hines, who is also president of the predominantly female Carlow University, where more than a third of undergraduates are over age 25. Many of her students, and students at other institutions in the city, also live and work within its borders, paying income and property taxes that compensate for their “fair share” of city services.

“There’s always been a sort of town-gown animosity, the perception that the students don’t give, they just take,” she said. “Towns and cities think students are just these rich, privileged 18- to 21-year-olds who just take from the city and then leave once they graduate. They’re not and they don’t.”

The Community College of Allegheny County serves the city “many of them who would be affected by this are Pittsburgh residents and so are already contributing through their wage taxes, property taxes, etc.,” said David Hoovler, a spokesperson. “With the population we serve, in particular, there are many students who struggle to pay our tuition, already the lowest in the city.”

So there's this photography blog...

2009-11-17T21:07:00.002-05:00

that I follow religously. I'm not sure why I follow it, but I do. Anyway, I came across a recent post of a little girl who just turned two. Secretly, I hope the little girl we have one day will come out looking just as cute as she is! Great little bob hair cut and dimples... who'd be able to resist?!

Remember that high I was just on?

2009-11-15T16:07:00.004-05:00

Ya, that's gone. I opened up that athletics home page to find.... this. UGH! It's bad enough JP and I were going to have to leave early on Friday morning to make sure I was back by one.

I was okay with the idea of spending Thanksgiving with family, taking a quick nap, making it out to the sales with Alison, taking another nap, and leaving my 10:30 or so on Friday morning... JP driving of course.

With kick off move up to 11:00am, we'd have to leave by 8:00, and that's barring the fact that we *might* have recruits that day. Who in their right mind would come to an official recruit the day after Thanksgiving? I pray no one.

Stupid football. Stupid televised game on ESPNU. I know it's early but, bah humbug!

If anything is certain, it is that change is certain. The world we are planning for today will not exist in this form tomorrow.

-Phillip Crosby

Flying High

2009-11-13T18:07:00.004-05:00

Over the past we weeks I have gone through a roller coaster of emotions related to my job. The boys are endlessly exhausting. The hours are awful. And yet I still go back. Something continues to drag my butt out of bed, into the shower, get dressed, and go to work.

Friday, two of my very favorite athletes stopped into my office. One to do some homework. Yes, I know. I have two degrees. But there's something really great about homework. I can feel my dad grinning from ear to ear. I love when students bring in work to me seeking, help and guidance. It makes me feel useful. More so, it lets me know that they see me as approachable. And that's all I really care about.

I also had another athlete come to me with a less than favorable situation. A professor seemed to be having difficulty honoring the travel letter, excusing athletes from certain assignment deadline if the team was required to travel. Long story short, and about six emails later, the professor admits she was wrong (and the student was right), and she agreed that the athlete could complete the assignment and turn them in late for full credit.

I was overjoyed. As an athletic advisor, it is our job to advocate and be the liaison between athletes and professors when necessary. And while the results aren't always what you hope for, you do hope that the professor and student-athlete can come to some form of an agreement for what is fair. I do not support that student-athletes receive preferential treatment. What I do support is the ability for the two parties to come to a common ground. For the professors to understand that when the athletes are not in the classroom, they are on the field. And when they're on the field, they are ambassadors to the university.

So I forwarded the final email from the professor to me, to my boss. I received nothing more than a "really good job" from my boss. He's not one for the mushy-gooshy/hippy-dippy praise that higher education and college student personnel professionals relish in, but it will most certainly do. What's more, my athletes are starting to realize that I am a tool for them to untilize and not just an individual that hounds them about making weekly meetings, weekly study hall hours, and does their homework.

Verteran's Day

2009-11-11T10:19:00.003-05:00

A time to reflect on the heroes of the past, the heroes of today, and the heroes of tomorrow. Right, wrong, left, or right, there are men and women all over the world fighting for our country. Fighting for the freedom of others. Fighting for equality and justice.

Thank you for getting up every day and fighting and believing in a better place.

Thank you for sacrificing your safety for mine.

We are the land of the free, because of the brave.

Twitter

2009-11-03T09:52:00.002-05:00

I'm not such a huge fan normally, but came across a page I actually think is pretty funny. I'm not sure if it's the bluntness of the father, or that fact that the son (writer of the Boomerang post below) has taken advantage of these one-liners and created himself quite a following.

ShitMyDadSays

Education Nation | Higher Education Blog

2009-11-03T09:40:00.002-05:00

Read it : Education Nation Higher Edcuation Blog

It's good. Really good. Witty. What I would write about if I a)had the time and b)was witty.

Boomerang Offspring is especially entertaining... something I fear will happen in the next six months (sorry Jeff and Alison).

Gettin' On with Gettin' On (Part 2)

2009-11-01T15:59:00.002-05:00

This is going to be harder than I thought.

There's a knot in my stomach. WTH?

I've done this before. What's the big deal? Somehow, in the last go-around with applications, I managed to apply to 22 higher education institutions, and over 45 jobs. Why can't I get started? Instead of reformatting my resume and cover letter, I chickened out and decided to write a blog post instead.

My hands are shaky. WTH?

What's my problem? I'm ready to leave Athens... aren't I?

Maybe it's the idea of putting myself out there all over again with the prospect of rejection. Oh hell, I applied to my current position as a way of "hedging my bets." Literally. As I handed my current boss my application, and he asked "what's this," I told him I was "hedging my bets." So honestly, I feel by default I got this position. Like I told my dad a couple of years ago, I've never really been told "No" by a prospective employer. It happened one other time when I applied for a position at a fitness facility here in Athens. No? What do you mean no? But I'm awesome.

Apparently not. Or, at the very least, not as awesome as I thought. Fine. Maybe from now on I'll have to figure out how to print my resume on pink paper and scent it... you know, to "give it a little something extra."

When do I start looking? Is now too soon?

So it's back to the drawing board. Redo the resume. Freshen up the cover letter. Jump back in to the application pool. Maybe this time I'll come back up with a job.

Hello Lakewood, Ohio!

2009-10-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

Hi! Hello! How are ya!?

I see you're a frequent visitor. Thanks for stopping by!

A Definition

2009-10-28T06:56:00.001-04:00

1. wiggified: the state of elation that comes with being in the presence of ^a wiggy.

I like it!

Definition from Urban Dictionary

We've all had one...

2009-10-26T12:36:00.001-04:00

This is how I spent my lunch break today: Awkward Family Photos

Happy [Belated] Anniversary

2009-10-26T08:33:00.001-04:00

Yup! A couple days late, but still... I think it's a pretty big deal.

Not only were our parents down this past weekend, but JP and I just celebrated our six-year-dating-anniversary. I know, we're married now, and so the wedding anniversary's the only one that really counts... but still.

It's a pretty big milestone, no?

Need to get on Gettin' On...

2009-10-25T18:24:00.008-04:00

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It has been two weeks since my last entry.

Alright, I've been a bad blogger. Sorry Jeff.

Even as we speak I'm getting/sending text messages to co-workers trying to stay on top of football players. It's never-ending. I've got articles from HigherEd.com that I'm still waiting to write about from last month and the beginning of this month.

This past weekend JP's parents and my dad came down for Parent's Weekend. Usually a pretty good excuse to see your parents, let them do the cooking/buy the good meals, and spend some quality time together.

I thank my lucky stars that JP and my parents get along so well. At first I thought it was the scotch talking, come to find out... I A)have that cool of parents and B)have cool of in-laws.

Mom wasn't able to make the trip because of nasty cold, so dad made the trip solo, arriving just after noon on Saturday. By then I had already been dropped off at work (yes, remember those crazy hours I work?). JP's parents arrived shortly before, and they all made their way to campus for the football game against Kent. After a winning streak of three straight, the boys weren't able to fight off the Golden Flashes, and the Bobcats fell to 5-3, 3-1 in the MAC.

After the game we headed out to dinner. Thinking we'd avoid the "Parent's Weekend chaos," we headed out to a Mexican restaurant at the other end of town. No such luck. The place was packed, and somehow four or five football players managed to beat us to dinner. I'm guessing coach is waiting to give the intimidating/you're-better-than-that football pep talk for this coming week.

Ben Bailey was also in town for Parent's Weekend festivities. You know, Ben Bailey... the guy from Cash Cab. Ya. That guy! There were several things I learned from Saturday's show.

The man is tall. We're talking 6'6"

He has something against Google.

Everyone has that "perfect comfy bed" spot and dreads the thought of leaving it.

He knows a lot about birds... even the "nearly-flightless" ones

Wind breakers are the crappiest jacket idea. Ever.

In other news, Myron and Troy continue to have fun together. They really are a pair when they spend the afternoon chasing each other around the house and wrestling.

Jason has also recently became the co-coach for the Quiz Bowl Team at school. Kids get together and, essentially, learn trivia. Something totally up JP's alley... we're headed to Ironton, Ohio for a tournament in a couple of weeks... and I get to ride the bus!!

But alas... to the title of the post. After our parents left today, JP and I just sort of looked at each other. When they left, I think we finally realized that we're ready to move back home. Yes, the prospect of staying all of this year, plus another two to have all of JP's loans paid off is enticing, but we miss family. And while us moving means we'd be forgoing the opportunity to really start out ahead in life, the increase in pay makes up for it. It's weird to think in the next couple of months we'll start packing, and thinking about where we'll live, and saving up for the move, and once again putting fate in the hands of the employment gods. It's scary. But I think, at least for me, I know I'm ready- equipped with the knowledge of how the employment cycles of Pittsburgh higher ed schools work. And maybe JP will have another break in the school systems and know another principal or vice principal that will help him get his foot in the door.

As I sit here, I'm cautiously hopeful for what the next year of our married life has in store for us; as cautiously hopeful as each dawn is to a new day.

When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.

-Anonymous

Can we talk about something?

2009-10-11T08:54:00.004-04:00

It continues to astound me at how quickly the weeks pass anymore. I partially blame the athletes I work with. Meetings from 9:00AM to 12:00PM every day, with 1/3 to 1/2 of them showing, most often, makes the mornings fly by. By 2:00PM the boys are in practice, and I've got ~~the rest of the afternoon~~ three hours of work to be productive. On any given week, there is the potential for me to work from 9:00AM to 9:00PM. On those days my oh, so loving husband brings dinner in for me and we eat together in my office. Not the most glamorous of evenings together, but it gets us through.

When I began this internship, I was, in essence, "outed" for being married. A bazaar conversation in and of itself. I tried brushing it off and making light of the fact that somehow my marital status influenced my ability to work in the field of athletics. But now, I can maybe see that my status as a married woman, working in athletics is an anomaly (great word, no?). The hours I keep are crazy, and just because it's 5:00 or the weekend, doesn't necessarily mean I'm done working. I am truly thankful to have a husband who understands and supports my career goals in ~~wedding planning~~ athletics.

So this weekend JP and I headed out to the Chili Bowl on State Street. Not a bad deal. $3.00 to get in. You get a bowl and a spoon, and the samplings of 25 different types of chili. Some were good (2-3), most were okay, and some were rather disappointing considering I even ate the "hot." Some were also downright nasty (beans were still crunchy- eeeww) or not considered chili (at least in my book). During the fall, our neighbor, Traveis, he's there in green, is a single man. Note the wedding band on his left finger? His wife is an MFA student at OHIO in the theater program. So while she's off in rehearsal practicing, or on this day, standing on stage so lighting can make adjustments, we adopt Traveis for the day.

Later last night we met up with some co-workers from the athletic department. Before they arrived JP and I found ourselves sitting with another neighbor and some of his friends from around campus. After spending five hours in BW3's, JP and I headed home. As we pulled up to the house, JP brought up an interesting thought. When did we grow up? If you take a sampling of our current friends in Athens, we have an actress, a parole officer, a professor, counselors, teachers, athletics professionals. An interesting side-note in all of this is, I'm the only one from Ohio in that group. Alabama, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio. It's a unique feeling to step back and think that in just seven short years, I've gone from knowing people from only Ohio, to knowing people from only out-of-state. A somewhat cool revelation.

But where does it happen? How does it happen? And how often does one get the opportunity to realize they are in the midst of growing up?

Up-Downs

2009-10-05T18:13:00.002-04:00

There's something immensely gratifying about watching football players do 200+ yards of up-downs after practice after they've missed an academic meeting with you.

One Year Ago...

2009-09-27T19:17:00.003-04:00

One year ago, I married the love of my life. The yin to my yang. He's not perfect. But he's perfect for me. I love him. I love him so very much.

I love that...

he understands why I have to have the comforter "just so" on the bed in order to go to sleep at night

he who knows why I freak out when the house isn't picked up

he kisses me before we go to sleep each night, even when we're at odds.

he says "I love you" before he walks out the door each morning.

he leaves a fresh pot of coffee each day

he makes dinner each night for me

he lets me pick what we watch on TV

he supports my endeavors to concur higher education

he folds my laundry when it seems to become the bane of my existance

he patronizes my fantasies about opening a wedding business

he participates in conversations about fake weddings

he talks with me about the house we'll build some day

he discusses the names of our future children with me

he lets me talk about the things that scare me

he attempts to understand why money freaks me out

he sits and watches chick-flicks because I'm too scared to watch horror movies

he talks with his parents every Sunday

he talks to the TV when the Steelers are on

he helps take care of Myron and Troy

he tackles the yard when I want to plant a garden

he goes to work to teach every day

he kisses my forehead

he bounces his feet when he watches TV

he approaches life with a level head

he has helped put together a home down here in Athens

he is patient with me

he loves my baking

he loves my laugh

he loves my smile

he loves me.

JP, you mean absolutely everything to me, and want to thank you for being so perfect for me.

Survived my first 5K and year of marriage... I'd say that's a success!

2009-09-27T18:48:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm back. Not really sure where the time's gone in the last two weeks, but...

So yes, we've made it! One whole year of wedded bliss. ::insert gag reflex noises::

Yes, it's been great. Yes, we are still in love. Yes, we've definitely had some trials and tribulations between power outages, ~~moving~~ not moving, ~~job searching~~ not job searching.

I'd also like to tell you that I've been up to a whole lot, per the lack of blog posting, but I really haven't. JP and I have fallen into the ebb and flow of the school year. Unfortunately my schedule has me work odd evenings, and sometimes seven days a week... stupid college football on Saturdays.

This past weekend we headed up to the island for our anniversary weekend, and my first-ever attempt at a 5K! JP and I had started running almost daily toward the middle of June, and it naturally progressed into a small hobby.... or at the very least, something we didn't totally despise. The competitive side got the better of me and sought out races in Ohio. Lucky me, I found a race sponsored by Miller's Ferry, the 5K at Put-in-Bay. SA-WEEET! Who doesn't want an excuse to get over to PIB? JP and Adam were supposed to run, but alas, Adam had school work he had forgotten about, and JP, well, he's not the most competitive spirit.

So I ran. I ran by myself. It was a bit emotional as I started, and rounded the first corner and past JP and my parents. Off I went. Mini-iPod attached to my arm, 60's workout music courtesy of Richard Simmons (yes, that's right) blasting in my ears.

::Sidenote: did you know there are hills on that island?::

On the backside of the island, about a mile-and-a-half in, I started running with a younger, college-aged girl. In the beginning I'd encourage her as we ran up the hills, just to keep going, no walking, no stopping, just keep going. I knew if I stopped, there'd be no hope. By the end, it was "Miami" who encouraged me around the last corner, around the bay and to the finish line. I'm so very thankful for her.

That's "Miami" next to me, at about the 3 mile mark... don't I look excited?

Jury's still out on my final time. I think I ended up somewhere around 36 or 37 minutes, so I'm happy.

The rest of the weekend was relatively uneventful, but nice to spend it with family on the weekend we got marriend one year ago.

Happy Birthday Father-in-Law!!!

2009-09-11T07:38:00.002-04:00

Follow Up

2009-09-07T20:19:00.002-04:00

So this hip thing....

Ya.

After a "run" last Tuesday, I gave up and asked JP to take me to the urgent care center to have my hip checked out. I figured at this point, having been raised to ignore pain and avoid the doctor's office, it was better to go then, not miss work, and pay the extra few dollars (which it ended up not costing!).

A quick x-ray later, zilch. Such is my life. Pain? Of course I feel it. Obvious contributing condition? Of course not. I think this is why my parents constantly failed to take me to the doctors- I get that. But I did manage to get a diagnosis- Hip Bursitis. La-dee-frickin-da!

The doctor prescribed Meloxicam, suggested physical therapy, asked me to schedule a follow-up for 4 weeks later, and sent me home. Internally, I scoffed at the idea of spending money on a physical therapist (ironic I know). A) I was going to be one, so I have a general idea of what exercises would be good to do, and B) I have friends in the PT world, so why pay for something I can get for free?

So this morning, I popped my little yellow pill, waited 20 minutes, then drove to campus for a 3 mile run. I finished. That's good. My hip wasn't screaming which was definitely a change of pace. I did notice that I was still limping a bit at the end, but I didn't "feel" the limp, so I was okay with that.

Unfortunately, a lap around Walmart continues to defy medicinal practices, so mom, next time I'm home, I'll race you around Walmart. Deal?

Updates

2009-08-30T09:55:00.003-04:00

It's weird. I'm going to tell you that there isn't much going on in life right now. It would be relatively true. But in the same breath, I'd be able to tell you all of the new and interesting things I've learned in the last two weeks.

JP started back to work two weeks ago, and about a week and a half ago, he started with the kids. This year seems to be better than the last two, primarily due to the good-natured kiddos sitting in his classroom. Aside from yet another year teaching a few different classes (which will eventually come in handy come search time) and a building that's structurally sound, things seem to be running smoothly.

Two weeks ago I also started my internship as an academic services intern with the athletic department. The first week or so was realtively ho-hum, as a majority of the information we were covering I had managed to acquire over the last six years at the university. We did finally start to get into compliance and eligibility related material which I had always been vaguely aware of, but never really understood.

I called my mom after the first day we covered this material, rattling off numbers and percentages student-athletes need to meet (credit-hour wise) to be eligible: Thirty-six hours by the end of their freshman year, 27 of that during the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. Twenty-seven each following year. Forty percent of a students academic course work needs to be complete by the start of his/her third year (or 7th full academic term), 60% by the start of the fourth year, and 80% by the start of the fifth year. There is not GPA requirement for freshmen, a 1.8 for sophomores, 1.9 for juniors, and a 2.0 for seniors. Now mind you, the university has their own stipulations for GPA, so while a student-athlete may not be in good academic standing with the university, the NCAA deems them eligible. Sad, I know.

You know that whole "fake it 'til you make it" mentality? Ya, it's not going to cut it here. You better know what you're doing or there's the potential to be sitting eligible players, or in a really bad scenario, playing ineligible players. Either way, it's a constant checking back and forth with compliance and the registrar's office. One piece of paper with a stamp and signature is all it takes to make an student athlete eligible. It's kind of crazy.

Aside from work, the garden continues to grow. I've got two really great pumpkins going (which have already started to turn), and green beans and lettuce galore!

Then there's running. Oh running. Mmmmm, ya. I can say that I do miss it when I'm not doing it. You see, I'm a morning runner. But there's no way I can bring myself to getting up earlier to spend 45 minutes running in the morning, to come home, get a shower, get ready, and then race back to work. So last week (after taking a good 5 days off) I resorted to running after work. Five o'clock in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure, aside from running in Houston, that running after a day of work in the height of the aftnoon heat is for the devil, or for the very least, Craig, the guy I share my office suite with.

And to boot, my hip continues to hate me. Nope, still haven't scheduled the doctor's appointment. I think a small part of me believes that if I continue to ignore it, it'll go away. I was raised on ignoring pain, or so I was told. I think too, I'm avoiding it until after the 5K I'll be running in late September. I think I'm afraid the doctor will actually find something and tell me I can't run. A bonus to the 5K though is that Adam and two of his friends have decided to join and run with me. JP, as of about a half-hour ago, decided to forego his endeavor with a timed-trial. That's okay, I run better without him. ::wink wink::

I also bought new insoles for my Asics. They've been good to me, and haven't quite worn completly out. And in an attempt to hold off buying these babies, hopefully it'll be enough. Oh mommy-dearest, I think I smell a Christmas present....

Who Are You?

2009-08-22T08:28:00.003-04:00

::blink blink::

Hi!

As I have kept this blog open to the public, free for prying eyes to read, I've noticed that many of the readers to stumble across my blog are from all over the country... and world! It's an exciting thought, and flattering to me that some have even agreed to follow me abound on the interwebs and learn about my life. Athens is a pretty lazy place, not too many goings-on around town. It's me trying to figure out married life, having a garden (which the tomatoes need a stand), starting a professional career, baking, and whatnot.

And with that, I'd love to know who you are! So take a minute, leave a comment (with the info below... yes, I am in fact a Type A personality). I'm glad you've stopped by!

1. Who are you?
2. How did you find my blog?
3. What do you like about my blog?
4. What would you like me to blog more (or less) about?
5. A totally random fact about yourself!

Tootles!

-------------------------------------------
ETA: Seriously, 24 of you stopped by yesterday... who are you!? :c)

Have the Higher Ed Professional gods come to their senses?

2009-08-21T07:47:00.005-04:00

Just about two years ago now, I remember sitting in McCracken Hall in one of my very first College Student Personnel (yes, that is my profession) classes.

The discussion one particular day centered around what professional organizations were out there, what they stood for, and what it meant to be a part of them. The conversation led us to two "student personnel" professional organizations. The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and the National Association of Student Personnel Association (NASPA). Two separate organizations. One true purpose.

So why have two? Oh, maybe it's to confuse the hell out of new higher ed professionals, and that somehow choosing one way or another would potentially alienate you from your peers or professors. It was a scary thought. Later, the two were generalized that ACPA was for the "younger crowd" essentially, and NASPA, for the "older crowd" (and if nothing else, it's where Bob Young resided, so... there).

And so, late last night, the President of ACPA, Tom Jackson, posted something wildly exciting... the responses to the joint letter posted by both ACPA and NASPA Presidents about Exploring a Common Voice. The responses seemed to hit the nail on the head. "I can't afford both so I join the one whose conference is more easily accessible," or "... we need to stop duplicating efforts."

Who knows what (or when) changes will come about, if ever. But it is nice to see that a dialogue has started about the effectiveness of current efforts, and where the profession as a whole should be going. After all, isn't it all about assessment outcomes?

Random thoughts from people 25-35 years old...

2009-08-20T19:38:00.003-04:00

- I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

- More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I canthink about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tellmy own story that's not only better, but also more directly involvesme.

- Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when yourealize you're wrong.-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink tohave fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint andsticks when they've invented the lighter?

- Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you'regoing in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed tobe going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in thedirection from which you came, you have to first do something likecheck your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter toyourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you'recrazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

- That's enough, Nickelback.

- I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know"feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choosenot to be friends with?

- Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn'twork? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magicallyfix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we allknow how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boardsor FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

- There is a great need for sarcasm font.-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger andsuddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I firstsaw it.

- I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actuallybecomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone'slaughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a littlebit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still theonly one who really, really gets it.

- How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? (SOOOO TRUE!)

- I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand thantake 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clearyour computer history if you die.

- The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying tofinish a text.- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to thespread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

- LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantrontest is absolutely petrifying.- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart",all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nodand smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams upto prevent a *** from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a completeidiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney andsaid "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

- What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road andinstinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure Iknow how to get out of my neighborhood.

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how theperson died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in theshower first and THEN turn on the water.

- Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty,and you can wear them forever.

- I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

- Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that theirprofile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just gotthe Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind ifI do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

- If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspringwould probably just be completely invisible.

- Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to goaround and say their name and where they are from, I get so incrediblynervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't bea problem....

- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at workwhen you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anythingproductive for the rest of the day.

- Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don'twant to have to restart my collection.

- There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you aregoing to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

- I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks meif I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

- I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of peoplewatching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but willthey judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up andleave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

- I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times andgoes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phoneand run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then notseeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

-When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something shehasn't already told me but that I have learned from some lightinternet stalking.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle,then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruisingspeed for pedophiles...

- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers,but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and stillnot know what time it is.-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not toanswer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their carkeys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on theDonkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snoozebutton from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first timeevery time...

-My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what wouldhappen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

-It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com andthe link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone theydrive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, sawthey had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words,someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to thinkabout it, and then estimated that there must be at least four peopleeating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating bymyself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastardbefore dinner.

Mirrored Dresser

2009-08-17T08:05:00.005-04:00

There is something oddly attractive about a latest craze in home decorating... the mirrored dresser and nightstand. There's a clash between an 80's flashback that blends so effortlessly with whimsy and ethereal feeling.

Practicality and my husband's opinions aside, I'd love two have two of these in our bedroom from Pier 1 Imports, or a dresser in a little girl's nursery, like this one from Z Gallerie (no, no babies... I promise... just a planner).

DOH!

2009-08-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

Remember that time I attempted to bake cookies in an unheated oven? Ya, I did it again. I apparently turned off the oven before my last batch [of which I forgot was in there] was finished.

Oops!

Trip to Houston

2009-08-11T14:04:00.027-04:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to travel with mom and Grams down to Houston, Texas to spend some long overdue time with family.

We went down for C's 4th birthday and AC's baptism! We arrived on Thursday evening, and my mom made one of her fabulous dinners. It seems to be the thing that we (she and I) often make a meal for our hosts... it's a fun similarity.

Friday my aunt came into town and we spent the morning at a play group, where the kids could run around, jump, swing, chase bubbles... it was awesome!

That afternoon we went to B's parents for a dip in the pool and lunch. GG (great-grandama [my grams]) treated everyone to a fantastic dinner at an Italian restaurant. The owner brought C his very first canoli, after he told him it was his birthday tomorrow.

C's birthday party was Saturday. There were a boatload of kiddos, loads more presents, and the sweetest waterslide EVER! Seriously, if someone informed me that this is how four-year-olds "do" their birthdays, I'd be crashing parties every weekend!

There was also plenty of time to spend with C, AM, and AC. We colored, played dress-up while AM's mom and dad were away.

The weekend flew by entirely too quickly. And in true family form, there were tears when we left. I think what broke my heart the most was getting a fowarded text message from my mom, AM had asked where I was when she woke up from her nap.

Think mom looks too comfy with a baby in her hands? ---------------->

And just for ol' time sake, here's an updated version of a photo taken years ago... PILE UP!!

Dentist

2009-08-05T15:40:00.003-04:00

So, I had a dentist appointment today. THREE CAVITIES! Three cavities in a year and a half. Went twenty-three years and only had one. Ugh, stupid fluoride.

An adjustment period.

2009-07-29T11:18:00.002-04:00

An adjustment period of about a year and a half now.

As I came to the conclusion of my first year of graduate school, professionally, a ton of things were changing. The director of the office I had been working in was leaving, and the one man who I can 99% attribute my career change to was retiring. I was notified of his retirement after we had set in place that I would be the new graduate assistant of the orientation program.

Knowing that the new director wasn't going to be someone from the "outside," I was confident that we'd have a relatively smooth transition. Unfortunately, the transition was less than desirable, due to lack of communication, assumptions, and differences in ideals. Now, being five months removed from my second assistantship, I think I finally have some perspective.

My life this summer, while filled with new adventures and travel, has been unusually empty. Void of all things orientation. The last four years of my life, I have dedicated to one program. Lived it. Breathed it. Fought for it. Struggled to watch it change. Cried over the changes. And finally, I think I have managed to have some closure with the program.

About a week ago, I told JP that I secretly hoped and wished that one of my staff members from the previous year would tell me they missed me. Selfishly, I hoped that my absence would allow the staff to understand more fully all that I did last year. That somehow I had something to prove, to myself, to the staff, to my boss?

And then today I got it.

I got the "wish you were here."

My heart sank. It was what I had been hoping for. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt that what I was selfishly hoping for was actually the trigger to let myself let go of the program.

In a note from my first boss:
It's tough to let go of things that have been important to us. I will say that's it's been easier for me to let go of such things when I have something equally important to take its place. New set of responsibilities, new challenges, etc.

I also think our attachments are rooted in how we see ourselves relative to the work we do. If we identify with a program, we'll keep a closer hold on the attributes of that program. If we choose to focus on the program's outcomes, I think we can better weather a change like the one that you're dealing with.

While it was difficult to stomach at the time he sent that to me, I think it lends itself to learning about oneself, and allowing oneself to believe that somehow we're able to survive outside of the identity we've initally created for ourself.

Zucchini Sticks

2009-07-28T19:25:00.004-04:00

Now I've never been one for zucchini. Just something about it that has never appealed to me. About a month ago, JP made baked zucchini sticks. Can I just tell you. MMMMMMMM!!! So good!

Slice zucchini

Coat in flour

Dip in eggs

Coat in Italian bread crumbs

Place on pan

Place in oven

Bake 20 minutes in a 400* oven

Flip 1/2 way through, and watch for done-ness

Serve with warmed pasta sauce

It's a nice change of pace with the vegetables and is a nice substitute for mozzarella sticks or some other fried veggie.