...you should read the Good Girls Kill for Money blog and buy Gail Konop Baker's book...so eloquently discussed by the author as a guest blogger today!
More from me later...
Primarily posting on tumblr...
13 years ago
Friday, November 21, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
What are ya, new?
New Job...New Clothes...New Shoes...New Commute...New Computer...New Matt Nathanson Encounter...New Lease on Life! Okay...that might be pushing it.
Sorry for the delay in writing, but as stated above, I did begin a new job...just 2 weeks ago...and I'm now starting to get into a routine and figure out what it is that I've gotten myself into.
Hard to Leave...Easy to Go. That's what I tell people who ask if it was hard to leave my old job. Yes. After 10 1/2 years at San Jose State, it was hard to leave, but easy to go to such a great opportunity at California State University, East Bay. I mentioned this a month or so ago, and now it's real. So, what does this really mean?
Well...first, it means...NEW CLOTHES. I'm a director now...for whatever that's worth, and apparently I should dress a little more professional. So yeah, nicer pants, nicer tops, but really? Bottom line? It means no more flip flops in the office. Yes. I had a mild stroke over that too, and my feet are still in an adjustment period.
It also means, NEW COMMUTE. Not that I really had an OLD commute... It's 32 miles from my house to campus. In the morning, it's easy...35 minutes just about every day. In the evening...well, with the exception of last night's freaktastic traffic from hell, it really hasn't been nearly as bad as I expected. There are a couple of route options so that helps. It also helps that I've been able to carpool a couple of times each week. Carpool lanes rock! Restaurants just off the freeway also rock; which is how we survived last night's journey home.
One of the nice things about moving from one CSU to another is that you can transfer vacation and sick leave. The nicer thing is that you can get paid out for excess vacation. It's basically the only time you can get a bonus in the CSU. I took advantage of this and was able to buy this lovely new computer I'm writing to you on. It's a Mac. And IT IS YAY!! I've wanted one forever, and now my dream has come true. Alright, that's a bit over-the-top, but it really is all it's cracked up to be. I couldn't be happier with my vacation payout purchase!
So, life at East Bay is going well. I finally took in all my boxes yesterday, scaring many of my new staff members and co-workers along the way. Apparently I have more stuff than all of them combined, but whatever. I have a nice office with a nice view. Maybe I'll show you a photo once I get all the boxes unpacked and everything put away int its proper place. It's a big fat mess right now.
I've been meeting lots of people and gathering lots of data...trying to figure out exactly what's going on and what step to take first. It's exciting to embark on this new opportunity and realize that somewhere along the road, I actually became someone who has skills people covet and pay for.
The only challenge I continue to have every day is recording my daily voice message. I have to do it 2 or 3 times because I keep saying "Hi, you've reached Carrie Medders in the CMS Project Office at San Jose State University..." Okay, I never get all the way through it, but the CMS Project part just rolls off my tongue, and then I have to start over...which is a painstaking process of pushing about 32 buttons in the appropriate sequence. But I figure, if this is my greatest challenge, then I'm good to go!
Lest I forget...I must share my latest encounter with the fabulous Matt Nathanson. As many of you know, I'm a HUGE Matt fan, and met him earlier this year at one of his concerts. I got tickets to his November 1 show at The Warfield with my friends Jill and Veronnica...normal stuff. The JOY came when earlier that week, the local Alice radio station (pics, video and podcast on their site!) held an email contest of sorts...one of those deals where if you're chosen you get to join other listeners in a private radio show. This one happened to be the day before the concert (Halloween to be exact). Lucky me. I got in! Luckier still, I was off work since I was starting the new job, so it was easy to get into San Francisco in the middle of the afternoon.
So...he is, of course, fabulous playing 5 acoustic songs for us. The highlight was two-fold. He is very interactive with his audiences and always talks to people, but I've never really been close enough to get that involved...until this time. I was on the front row, and when he was asking what song he should play, a few of us shouted "Little Victories". He looked right at me and was like, "Really?"...then, he saw my phone (Palm Centro) and said, "Is that one of those touch screen phones?" I felt like time stopped because I really couldn't speak. I was a complete idiot. I was like, "Um, yeah, I guess...", but then I snapped out of it and turned the phone around so he could see it, and he proceeded to have a short conversation with me about the phone. HILARIOUS! So really, anything could have happened after that, and my night would have been perfect.
After the set, he took pictures with every person that was there (professional pics done by the radio station...very cool). I was near the end, so most everyone was gone, and when I stepped up to get the picture taken, he was like "Oh, Little Victories!". Funny. Then, we proceeded to have another short conversation, more in-depth, about the phone. It was seriously so funny. I basically told him to ditch the crackberry and get the Centro. Really not sure it gets much better than that.
Oh, and his concert the next day was awesome as usual!!
Alright, I think that's enough for now. I've got to finish cleaning before my Pampered Chef party today. Too bad you're not here to partake of this fabulous pumpkin ribbon cake I baked earlier. Oh yeah. IT IS YAY!
Sorry for the delay in writing, but as stated above, I did begin a new job...just 2 weeks ago...and I'm now starting to get into a routine and figure out what it is that I've gotten myself into.
Hard to Leave...Easy to Go. That's what I tell people who ask if it was hard to leave my old job. Yes. After 10 1/2 years at San Jose State, it was hard to leave, but easy to go to such a great opportunity at California State University, East Bay. I mentioned this a month or so ago, and now it's real. So, what does this really mean?
Well...first, it means...NEW CLOTHES. I'm a director now...for whatever that's worth, and apparently I should dress a little more professional. So yeah, nicer pants, nicer tops, but really? Bottom line? It means no more flip flops in the office. Yes. I had a mild stroke over that too, and my feet are still in an adjustment period.
It also means, NEW COMMUTE. Not that I really had an OLD commute... It's 32 miles from my house to campus. In the morning, it's easy...35 minutes just about every day. In the evening...well, with the exception of last night's freaktastic traffic from hell, it really hasn't been nearly as bad as I expected. There are a couple of route options so that helps. It also helps that I've been able to carpool a couple of times each week. Carpool lanes rock! Restaurants just off the freeway also rock; which is how we survived last night's journey home.
One of the nice things about moving from one CSU to another is that you can transfer vacation and sick leave. The nicer thing is that you can get paid out for excess vacation. It's basically the only time you can get a bonus in the CSU. I took advantage of this and was able to buy this lovely new computer I'm writing to you on. It's a Mac. And IT IS YAY!! I've wanted one forever, and now my dream has come true. Alright, that's a bit over-the-top, but it really is all it's cracked up to be. I couldn't be happier with my vacation payout purchase!
So, life at East Bay is going well. I finally took in all my boxes yesterday, scaring many of my new staff members and co-workers along the way. Apparently I have more stuff than all of them combined, but whatever. I have a nice office with a nice view. Maybe I'll show you a photo once I get all the boxes unpacked and everything put away int its proper place. It's a big fat mess right now.
I've been meeting lots of people and gathering lots of data...trying to figure out exactly what's going on and what step to take first. It's exciting to embark on this new opportunity and realize that somewhere along the road, I actually became someone who has skills people covet and pay for.
The only challenge I continue to have every day is recording my daily voice message. I have to do it 2 or 3 times because I keep saying "Hi, you've reached Carrie Medders in the CMS Project Office at San Jose State University..." Okay, I never get all the way through it, but the CMS Project part just rolls off my tongue, and then I have to start over...which is a painstaking process of pushing about 32 buttons in the appropriate sequence. But I figure, if this is my greatest challenge, then I'm good to go!
Lest I forget...I must share my latest encounter with the fabulous Matt Nathanson. As many of you know, I'm a HUGE Matt fan, and met him earlier this year at one of his concerts. I got tickets to his November 1 show at The Warfield with my friends Jill and Veronnica...normal stuff. The JOY came when earlier that week, the local Alice radio station (pics, video and podcast on their site!) held an email contest of sorts...one of those deals where if you're chosen you get to join other listeners in a private radio show. This one happened to be the day before the concert (Halloween to be exact). Lucky me. I got in! Luckier still, I was off work since I was starting the new job, so it was easy to get into San Francisco in the middle of the afternoon.
So...he is, of course, fabulous playing 5 acoustic songs for us. The highlight was two-fold. He is very interactive with his audiences and always talks to people, but I've never really been close enough to get that involved...until this time. I was on the front row, and when he was asking what song he should play, a few of us shouted "Little Victories". He looked right at me and was like, "Really?"...then, he saw my phone (Palm Centro) and said, "Is that one of those touch screen phones?" I felt like time stopped because I really couldn't speak. I was a complete idiot. I was like, "Um, yeah, I guess...", but then I snapped out of it and turned the phone around so he could see it, and he proceeded to have a short conversation with me about the phone. HILARIOUS! So really, anything could have happened after that, and my night would have been perfect.
After the set, he took pictures with every person that was there (professional pics done by the radio station...very cool). I was near the end, so most everyone was gone, and when I stepped up to get the picture taken, he was like "Oh, Little Victories!". Funny. Then, we proceeded to have another short conversation, more in-depth, about the phone. It was seriously so funny. I basically told him to ditch the crackberry and get the Centro. Really not sure it gets much better than that.
Oh, and his concert the next day was awesome as usual!!
Alright, I think that's enough for now. I've got to finish cleaning before my Pampered Chef party today. Too bad you're not here to partake of this fabulous pumpkin ribbon cake I baked earlier. Oh yeah. IT IS YAY!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Taste Every Moment and Live it Out Loud
My grandfather turned 89 years old on Sunday. He's pictured here with my mom and grandmother (just a little younger...they've been married for 68 years!!) taken at Thanksgiving last year.When I talked to him on his birthday he said he was sure he'd make it to a hundred. Knowing him as I do, I'm certain he's right. When he handed me over to my grandmother to chat for a bit, he was on his way to a finance committee meeting at church. I LOVE that my 89-year-old grandfather is on the church finance committee. How great is that?
I've been thinking a lot about that Five for Fighting song, 100 years (lyrics w/out the choruses below):
I'm 15... for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreamin'
Countin' the ways to where you are
I'm 22... for a moment
And she feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
I'm 33... for a moment
Still the man,
But you see I'm a they
A kid on the way, babe
A family on my mind
I'm 45... for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
I'm 99... for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreamin'
Countin' the ways to where you are
I wonder how many of us stop at various points in our lives and think about where we are. We might think about where we're going, but typically we're not content with where we are. I think most of us live in the moment not really thinking about it at the time...looking back to observe where we've been...and what/who has impacted our life. As the lyrics say, we're really only here for a moment...and let's face it, a moment's not very long at all.
As David Cook sings, "And I'll taste every moment and live it out loud...I know this is the time, this is the time of my life..." Good words I think. And not a bad song either.
Without getting too melancholy, let me close this entry by expressing my sorrow for a friend who lost her son last weekend. As my grandfather took one step closer to 90, this 21-year-old kid lost his life on a 2-lane highway just south of San Jose. I can't pretend to understand why this happened, but believe that God is in everything and that He will use this tragedy to bring glory to himself.
I think the divergence of these two events is a good reminder to taste every moment...and live it out loud...
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Further Confessions: It's All About the Coke
Just in case you didn't know...or had any doubt in your mind...be it known, that IT'S ALL ABOUT THE COKE. And more recently, it's all about the REAL Coke...with the REAL sugar...that we import from Mexico. Thank you Costco for importing my addiction for me! Not that I shun the cans, but let's face it...there's nothing like the REAL THING!
Many of you know of my Coke addiction. It might actually be worse than my potato/French fry addiction. I mean, I have magnets, I have toys, I have a shirt, I have a watch...it really is ALL ABOUT THE COKE.
While the Mexican Coke is high on my list, the best Coke to be found is, without question, hands-down, at McDonald's. You know it's true. Some days, it's the only thing that a person needs. If you haven't experienced it for yourself, do it now. Seriously. You need it. Matter of fact, I think I need to make a detour on my way to the game today...for some McDonald's Coke...and a side of fries. See ya!
Photo 1: Oh yes. That's the scene inside my fridge right now. It's like I'm on Cribs or something...
Photo 2: My August 2008 run-in with the Coke Bear in Vegas.
Photo 3: McDonald's Coke. Even inanimate objects are drawn to it.
Many of you know of my Coke addiction. It might actually be worse than my potato/French fry addiction. I mean, I have magnets, I have toys, I have a shirt, I have a watch...it really is ALL ABOUT THE COKE.
While the Mexican Coke is high on my list, the best Coke to be found is, without question, hands-down, at McDonald's. You know it's true. Some days, it's the only thing that a person needs. If you haven't experienced it for yourself, do it now. Seriously. You need it. Matter of fact, I think I need to make a detour on my way to the game today...for some McDonald's Coke...and a side of fries. See ya!
Photo 1: Oh yes. That's the scene inside my fridge right now. It's like I'm on Cribs or something...
Photo 2: My August 2008 run-in with the Coke Bear in Vegas.
Photo 3: McDonald's Coke. Even inanimate objects are drawn to it.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Traffic Lights, Transition and Tour
Today I give you three topics...pretty much unrelated...and without much segue from one to the other...
So, I don't know about you, but I daily bear witness to a strange phenomenon...people standing at intersections...waiting for lights to change. Don't roll your eyes at me. I'm not finished yet. The strange part is, on many occasions, no one pushes the button. And in San Jose, we don't have those fancy infrared buttons like they do at 4th and King in San Francisco. No. You actually have to push the button if you'd like something to happen. Why is this a hard concept? I really don't know, but on many days, I've walked up and watched a group of folks waiting...and waiting...and then, for fun, I go ahead and push the button, and like MAGIC, the light changes. Am I alone in my observation? I do see this primarily around the SJSU campus, so maybe it's a Gen Y thing, and people think they're entitled to have the light change for them without lifting so much as a finger. It is, after all, all about them and of COURSE the light should know they need to cross the street without them taking that ever-so-difficult step of actually DOING something to make it happen. How exactly do these folks get up and out of their houses every day? It must be magic...
And...scene.
So. I'm in my last few weeks at SJSU before moving to my new office at CSU East Bay. I'm not MOVING moving...just changing jobs. I've been all over the place the last couple of weeks starting my transition, so please forgive me if I haven't emailed, called, messaged, carrier pigeoned or Hallmark carded you. I promise to catch up...you know...some time in 2009...you still love me, right?
Next!
In the midst of my transition and watching these random traffic light waiters, I got the great joy of journeying to Wheatland, CA with a friend to see some of our all-time favorite bands at the Music Builds Tour a couple of weeks ago. Can you say awesome? I think you can. Let me just lay it out for you...
1 - Jars of Clay ... have always loved their music; actually met Steve Mason earlier this year; saw them play a number of years ago at The Warfield; really enjoyed seeing them again!
2 - Robert Randolph and The Family Band ... not really my favorite music, but boy could they play! great musicians who had a lot of fun on stage; they definitely impressed.
3 - Switchfoot ... my 8th time seeing them live; yes...big fan...and they did not disappoint; I really do become the 15-year old I always claim to be when I see them live...they just plain ROCK!! and along they way, they always make me think about a lot of interesting things.
4 - Third Day ... my 6th time seeing them, and they were, as usual, pure joy; they rock in a completely different way from Switchfoot and stir my emotions in a way few other musicians do.
At the end, members of all the groups played a few songs together. It's always fun to see collaborations, and these guys were great. I hope some of you had a chance to see this tour...it was truly awesome!
You can check out my photos to the left...click any picture as it scrolls through the slide show and it will open larger...our seats were pretty stinking good...if I do say so myself. And oh yeah, I just did.
Curtain please.
So, I don't know about you, but I daily bear witness to a strange phenomenon...people standing at intersections...waiting for lights to change. Don't roll your eyes at me. I'm not finished yet. The strange part is, on many occasions, no one pushes the button. And in San Jose, we don't have those fancy infrared buttons like they do at 4th and King in San Francisco. No. You actually have to push the button if you'd like something to happen. Why is this a hard concept? I really don't know, but on many days, I've walked up and watched a group of folks waiting...and waiting...and then, for fun, I go ahead and push the button, and like MAGIC, the light changes. Am I alone in my observation? I do see this primarily around the SJSU campus, so maybe it's a Gen Y thing, and people think they're entitled to have the light change for them without lifting so much as a finger. It is, after all, all about them and of COURSE the light should know they need to cross the street without them taking that ever-so-difficult step of actually DOING something to make it happen. How exactly do these folks get up and out of their houses every day? It must be magic...
And...scene.
So. I'm in my last few weeks at SJSU before moving to my new office at CSU East Bay. I'm not MOVING moving...just changing jobs. I've been all over the place the last couple of weeks starting my transition, so please forgive me if I haven't emailed, called, messaged, carrier pigeoned or Hallmark carded you. I promise to catch up...you know...some time in 2009...you still love me, right?
Next!
In the midst of my transition and watching these random traffic light waiters, I got the great joy of journeying to Wheatland, CA with a friend to see some of our all-time favorite bands at the Music Builds Tour a couple of weeks ago. Can you say awesome? I think you can. Let me just lay it out for you...
1 - Jars of Clay ... have always loved their music; actually met Steve Mason earlier this year; saw them play a number of years ago at The Warfield; really enjoyed seeing them again!
2 - Robert Randolph and The Family Band ... not really my favorite music, but boy could they play! great musicians who had a lot of fun on stage; they definitely impressed.
3 - Switchfoot ... my 8th time seeing them live; yes...big fan...and they did not disappoint; I really do become the 15-year old I always claim to be when I see them live...they just plain ROCK!! and along they way, they always make me think about a lot of interesting things.
4 - Third Day ... my 6th time seeing them, and they were, as usual, pure joy; they rock in a completely different way from Switchfoot and stir my emotions in a way few other musicians do.
At the end, members of all the groups played a few songs together. It's always fun to see collaborations, and these guys were great. I hope some of you had a chance to see this tour...it was truly awesome!
You can check out my photos to the left...click any picture as it scrolls through the slide show and it will open larger...our seats were pretty stinking good...if I do say so myself. And oh yeah, I just did.
Curtain please.
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