Just Breathe. Never has that saying meant so much to me.
I have backspaced so many times trying to figure out where to start with this post. Do I talk about my job or is that boring? Do I talk about any updates in my life and if so what are they? Do I remember a funny story to share or are there too many? I felt that it was necessary to update my blog, but yet can't quite find the words to say. So we'll start here...
4 months ago I graduated from college. Since then, I have really turned over a new leaf and found this desire to dive into what seems to be a never ending pile of work that I have stacked so high on my desk that you can barely see me through my office door window. I say that because even though it seems overwhelming, I have never been more satisfied and happy with where I am in my life until now. Sure there are a few things missing from the 'master plan' but fortunately for me, I have already been forced to white-out some of those plans along the way. I'm not afraid to tweak the plan and I'm certainly willing to accept any other surprises thrown my way because 4 months ago I was under the impression that I would be starting graduate classes tomorrow and here I sit in my office that is bigger than my bedroom at home, typing on my office computer, and smiling at the fact that I am a professional staff member at SUNY Cortland. I have faith in God and whatever it is that is in store for me, but I will say it has been quite the ride getting to where I am today. As different as it may sound I wake up excited to go to my office every morning because I am so happy with my job and everything it is to me. I certainly don't want to fall into the trap of 'my work is my life' but I'm perfectly content knowing that I have found something I really enjoy doing for now and that is one of the best feelings in the world.
One thing that has been pulling at my heartstrings a tad, especially now that the students are back, is the fact that 4 months ago I was a student here. I'm more than ready to start this new chapter of my life, but I have found myself pulling out the photo albums and watching the videos of my friends from the best four years of my life that seem like just yesterday. I'm okay with it, but sometimes even a song will bring tears to my eyes as I remember all of the memories attached to it. To be able to have such a strong connection to those 4 years makes me that much more excited to see what is in my future. I'm ready for the next step in every area of my life...if only those areas were ready for me. For now, I will focus on what seems to be working- my job, but I certainly won't close the door on anything else that wants to come my way.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
jai ho!
When I started out on this 101 things in 1001 days adventure I thought it would be a lot easier to stay on top of things. Unfortunately my new job has taken me on a whole new adventure that requires a lot of my free time, so things like my blog and 101 list have suffered. Hopefully after the month of August (which consists of 4 weeks of training, students returning, and the start to a new year) is over, I will have time to get back to doing things on my list and keeping up with my blog <---and if I don't get that time back, I will probably go insane! Training ended this past Friday (training for RHDs that is..) A sigh of relief came right around 4 pm as I left Cortland to return home for the weekend to see my sister! But, before we talk about that, lets back track to my 3 day, 2 night trip to Raquette Lake...
I have been to Raquette Lake 5 times counting this trip. Every time I hear the news about going I get really excited. Something about ropes courses and bonfires excites me more than just about anything. But this year was a little bit different. We had bonfires, but the ropes courses were not visited. I must say, I was a little sad at first, but the trip was not without it's perks. For starters, I went 'fishing'...
For those of you that have not memorized my 101 list, 'go fishing' is on there. My definition of going fishing consists of two things: cast the line and hold the pole in the water for at least a few minutes. Once I did that, I considered my fishing adventure complete and I could check it off my list. Lucky me, my new friend Sean decided that that was not enough....I had to put the worm on the hook too!!!! The picture below sums up my experience...
The next adventure at Raquette Lake was pedal boating. I love nature. I love hiking. And I love taking pictures of the beautiful mountains, water, and scenery. However, I have never been one to care much about canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. I prefer to go fast...I know speed boats are not as environmentally friendly, but lets be honest, is paddling your way to the middle of a lake, looking around, and then realizing you have to paddle all the way back to the dock all that it's cracked up to be? I understand the exercise part of it, but is it really enjoyable?!...I was able to snap some good photos and my legs got a good work out, but I still don't get what all the hype is about...below is a picture of Calvin after Sean swam out to us and then jumped from one boat to the other...their boat almost flooded and Calvin was almost 'man overboard.'
Funny looking tree we spotted on our way in...
After pedal boating we decided to play some horse shoes. Another activity I have realized is not my cup of tea. I found it to be quite boring actually. Maybe if I was good at it, I would have enjoyed it, but I found it annoying to throw a horse shoe back and forth trying to hit a metal stake in the ground. I wasn't TERRIBLE...I got us some points, but for the amount of work it takes to 'enjoy' the game, I think I'll choose another activity next time to enjoy before dinner.
The nights at Raquette Lake were of course enjoyable. We had a bonfire both nights. The first night it was insanely clear out, so some of us enjoyed scanning the sky for shooting stars and I of course used my wonderful skills acquired in Astronomy class to find other space wonders. I could stare at the sky for hours in awe of it's beauty. Janelle almost convinced me to sleep under the stars one of the nights (which is on my 101 list) but being in the Adirondacks and all scared the idea right out of me. I am already looking forward to a retreat planned in September with some students. I wonder what adventures I will go on then...
There, now that you are up to speed on that trip, I can round out this post with a quick glance into my weekend at home.
It was a short trip. I arrived home around 7:30 pm on Friday and my brother, sister, and dad didn't get home from the airport until about 9 pm. There's nothing like hearing my sister and dad yelling, "Berby we're home" from the driveway.
Saturday my mom, sister, and I went to the movies. We saw "Eat Pray Love." It was a great pick-me-up type movie. I'm a softy when it comes to movies. I always say it takes a lot to get me to cry about something in my life, but I tear up pretty easily when it comes to movies. I'm glad we saw it...in fact, I can't remember the last time the three of us had a girls day and went to a movie. After that we stopped at Perkins for peanut butter pie, but ended up grabbing dinner too. We brought the pie home and my sister and I almost simultaneously looked at each other and said "we're eating peanut butter pie while watching America's Next Top Model." Guess we weren't all made to be a size 0, but I'm okay with it :-p We both ended up in bed by 10 pm...the last full night of sleep I think I will get for the next 2 weeks.
I was sad to leave, but I know I'll see my sister again before she goes back. The plan for the two lovebirds now is to be married in France, October 30. They have had quite the interesting summer to say the least. I'm sad we can't be there, but hopefully when the time is right we will see Allison walk down the aisle in the dress we got her. For now, I'm happy knowing they are happy...all they want to do is be together and being from two different countries has really caused some problems!...
I think that about sums up the last week in the life of me. Wish me luck as I prepare to get the hall ready for the student staff to move in this week...and students next weekend....
Peace out.
I have been to Raquette Lake 5 times counting this trip. Every time I hear the news about going I get really excited. Something about ropes courses and bonfires excites me more than just about anything. But this year was a little bit different. We had bonfires, but the ropes courses were not visited. I must say, I was a little sad at first, but the trip was not without it's perks. For starters, I went 'fishing'...
For those of you that have not memorized my 101 list, 'go fishing' is on there. My definition of going fishing consists of two things: cast the line and hold the pole in the water for at least a few minutes. Once I did that, I considered my fishing adventure complete and I could check it off my list. Lucky me, my new friend Sean decided that that was not enough....I had to put the worm on the hook too!!!! The picture below sums up my experience...
The next adventure at Raquette Lake was pedal boating. I love nature. I love hiking. And I love taking pictures of the beautiful mountains, water, and scenery. However, I have never been one to care much about canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. I prefer to go fast...I know speed boats are not as environmentally friendly, but lets be honest, is paddling your way to the middle of a lake, looking around, and then realizing you have to paddle all the way back to the dock all that it's cracked up to be? I understand the exercise part of it, but is it really enjoyable?!...I was able to snap some good photos and my legs got a good work out, but I still don't get what all the hype is about...below is a picture of Calvin after Sean swam out to us and then jumped from one boat to the other...their boat almost flooded and Calvin was almost 'man overboard.'
Funny looking tree we spotted on our way in...
After pedal boating we decided to play some horse shoes. Another activity I have realized is not my cup of tea. I found it to be quite boring actually. Maybe if I was good at it, I would have enjoyed it, but I found it annoying to throw a horse shoe back and forth trying to hit a metal stake in the ground. I wasn't TERRIBLE...I got us some points, but for the amount of work it takes to 'enjoy' the game, I think I'll choose another activity next time to enjoy before dinner.
The nights at Raquette Lake were of course enjoyable. We had a bonfire both nights. The first night it was insanely clear out, so some of us enjoyed scanning the sky for shooting stars and I of course used my wonderful skills acquired in Astronomy class to find other space wonders. I could stare at the sky for hours in awe of it's beauty. Janelle almost convinced me to sleep under the stars one of the nights (which is on my 101 list) but being in the Adirondacks and all scared the idea right out of me. I am already looking forward to a retreat planned in September with some students. I wonder what adventures I will go on then...
There, now that you are up to speed on that trip, I can round out this post with a quick glance into my weekend at home.
It was a short trip. I arrived home around 7:30 pm on Friday and my brother, sister, and dad didn't get home from the airport until about 9 pm. There's nothing like hearing my sister and dad yelling, "Berby we're home" from the driveway.
Saturday my mom, sister, and I went to the movies. We saw "Eat Pray Love." It was a great pick-me-up type movie. I'm a softy when it comes to movies. I always say it takes a lot to get me to cry about something in my life, but I tear up pretty easily when it comes to movies. I'm glad we saw it...in fact, I can't remember the last time the three of us had a girls day and went to a movie. After that we stopped at Perkins for peanut butter pie, but ended up grabbing dinner too. We brought the pie home and my sister and I almost simultaneously looked at each other and said "we're eating peanut butter pie while watching America's Next Top Model." Guess we weren't all made to be a size 0, but I'm okay with it :-p We both ended up in bed by 10 pm...the last full night of sleep I think I will get for the next 2 weeks.
I was sad to leave, but I know I'll see my sister again before she goes back. The plan for the two lovebirds now is to be married in France, October 30. They have had quite the interesting summer to say the least. I'm sad we can't be there, but hopefully when the time is right we will see Allison walk down the aisle in the dress we got her. For now, I'm happy knowing they are happy...all they want to do is be together and being from two different countries has really caused some problems!...
I think that about sums up the last week in the life of me. Wish me luck as I prepare to get the hall ready for the student staff to move in this week...and students next weekend....
Peace out.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
It's never too late...
Boy oh boy has my life been interesting since the last time I posted. A few events have taken place:
1. I said my goodbyes to Johnny C. and wished him all the luck in NYC. I'm sad to see him leave, but so happy he is taking this great leap into the next chapter of his life. I will be planning a trip to the city soon...
2. I attended one of the most love-filled weddings I have ever been to in my life. For those of that don't know Mark and Ashley they are the epitome of love. Everything Ashley stands for is rooted in her faith in love. They have been together 6 years and I have absolutely no doubt that they will be together for eternity. It's amazing how much someone else's happiness can influence the way you feel. I was full of tears (as was Ashley) as I watched her make her way down the aisle. The look on Mark's face was indescribable and the audience was full of happy tears. Sigh...nothing beats a beautiful wedding on a beautiful day. The reception was nothing short of amazing as well. The food, the people, the dancing, and the photo booth made it a night I (and certainly they) will never forget. Cheers to beautiful people in love...
3. The J-E-T-S came to town. On Sunday, my parents met me in Cortland to help me unpack and get situated in my new apartment. (thanks for the house warming gift mom and dad--my fabulous bathroom :-p) Anyway, the J-E-T-S...I was warned that I would not be able to access the main road that runs through campus once they were in town because they would be staying on campus. So, to my surprise it wasn't until later in the day that the road was closed so I was able to unpack one car load (plus my parents load) in front of my building. We dropped off everything and headed to Central City for some lunch and then off to buy some things. Following that, we went downtown to see what all the fuss was about...minutes later, the J-E-T-S drove down Main St. in their Mercedes busses and Rex Ryan hopped up onto a lil grand stand to give a short speech...I was waiting for some football eye candy to get off the bus, but as usual, they're not my type :-p It's something to do with the no neck thing...I kid I kid not ALL football players have that problem...only.some. :-) When we returned, we unpacked. After a while, my parents left and I went back to West Campus to get the rest of my belongings. Unfortunately when I got back, I was not able to access the road and that brings me to part #2 of this story...
I had an ENTIRE car load of stuff-heavy stuff that needed to be unloaded. I was parked about 1/4-1/2 mile from my apartment (because I did not have my parking pass yet) with absolutely no idea how I would get all of my stuff up to campus. So, I enlisted Janelle to help with the task. We (and by we I mean Janelle :-p) managed to load everything onto a 4-wheel cart and hauled it up the hill and into my apartment. If Janelle wasn't moving in on Sunday, I have no idea what I would have done. Now that I have my parking pass and I've made friends with the 'road guards' I feel like I might be able to sneak in, but I don't chance it. What I do is drive up and around campus to get to my parking spot that is behind Neubig. It's the funniest sight to walk up to my car that is parked between a Cadillac and an Escalade or Mercedes (whatever joyride is parked next to me that day.) Imagine if I still had Crumple...
4. I started my job. Actually, I started training for my new job. Day 1 (Monday) was exactly as I had anticipated---a TON of information and some office time to recap and organize the information from the day later on that night. As I'm sure you are all aware, I am what they would call a fairly anal and structured person when it comes to filing and organization. I like to think I'm a pretty flexible person in all other areas of my life, but DO NOT come between my filing system and routine when it comes to staying on top of things and remaining organized! My staff is going to be disgusted with the amount of things I will already have organized, labeled, and ready to go when they get here, but if that weren't the case then I wouldn't feel prepared. Day 2 was slightly more relaxed and a shorter day in terms of training, but a much longer day/night in my office. Darci delivered dinner and I was able to take a break to talk with her a bit, but other than that I spent a good 4 hours working in my office. The great thing about last night was the fact that when I left my office, I let out a sigh of relief because I felt like I got so much accomplished. And today was a day full of more information that is of course helpful and useful, but slightly overwhelming and I will have to go back and look everything over to figure out how I will organize THAT information...but all and all I'm doing..okay.
Tonight I'm dragging, but that's why I took a little bit of time to myself to catch up on things like my blog :-) My parents have been incredibly supportive and helpful these past few days in calling and checking in and keeping my spirits up. I'm ready for this year and all of this work only makes me prepared for whatever people throw my way!
Back to work for me...
Stay fresh! :)
1. I said my goodbyes to Johnny C. and wished him all the luck in NYC. I'm sad to see him leave, but so happy he is taking this great leap into the next chapter of his life. I will be planning a trip to the city soon...
2. I attended one of the most love-filled weddings I have ever been to in my life. For those of that don't know Mark and Ashley they are the epitome of love. Everything Ashley stands for is rooted in her faith in love. They have been together 6 years and I have absolutely no doubt that they will be together for eternity. It's amazing how much someone else's happiness can influence the way you feel. I was full of tears (as was Ashley) as I watched her make her way down the aisle. The look on Mark's face was indescribable and the audience was full of happy tears. Sigh...nothing beats a beautiful wedding on a beautiful day. The reception was nothing short of amazing as well. The food, the people, the dancing, and the photo booth made it a night I (and certainly they) will never forget. Cheers to beautiful people in love...
3. The J-E-T-S came to town. On Sunday, my parents met me in Cortland to help me unpack and get situated in my new apartment. (thanks for the house warming gift mom and dad--my fabulous bathroom :-p) Anyway, the J-E-T-S...I was warned that I would not be able to access the main road that runs through campus once they were in town because they would be staying on campus. So, to my surprise it wasn't until later in the day that the road was closed so I was able to unpack one car load (plus my parents load) in front of my building. We dropped off everything and headed to Central City for some lunch and then off to buy some things. Following that, we went downtown to see what all the fuss was about...minutes later, the J-E-T-S drove down Main St. in their Mercedes busses and Rex Ryan hopped up onto a lil grand stand to give a short speech...I was waiting for some football eye candy to get off the bus, but as usual, they're not my type :-p It's something to do with the no neck thing...I kid I kid not ALL football players have that problem...only.some. :-) When we returned, we unpacked. After a while, my parents left and I went back to West Campus to get the rest of my belongings. Unfortunately when I got back, I was not able to access the road and that brings me to part #2 of this story...
I had an ENTIRE car load of stuff-heavy stuff that needed to be unloaded. I was parked about 1/4-1/2 mile from my apartment (because I did not have my parking pass yet) with absolutely no idea how I would get all of my stuff up to campus. So, I enlisted Janelle to help with the task. We (and by we I mean Janelle :-p) managed to load everything onto a 4-wheel cart and hauled it up the hill and into my apartment. If Janelle wasn't moving in on Sunday, I have no idea what I would have done. Now that I have my parking pass and I've made friends with the 'road guards' I feel like I might be able to sneak in, but I don't chance it. What I do is drive up and around campus to get to my parking spot that is behind Neubig. It's the funniest sight to walk up to my car that is parked between a Cadillac and an Escalade or Mercedes (whatever joyride is parked next to me that day.) Imagine if I still had Crumple...
4. I started my job. Actually, I started training for my new job. Day 1 (Monday) was exactly as I had anticipated---a TON of information and some office time to recap and organize the information from the day later on that night. As I'm sure you are all aware, I am what they would call a fairly anal and structured person when it comes to filing and organization. I like to think I'm a pretty flexible person in all other areas of my life, but DO NOT come between my filing system and routine when it comes to staying on top of things and remaining organized! My staff is going to be disgusted with the amount of things I will already have organized, labeled, and ready to go when they get here, but if that weren't the case then I wouldn't feel prepared. Day 2 was slightly more relaxed and a shorter day in terms of training, but a much longer day/night in my office. Darci delivered dinner and I was able to take a break to talk with her a bit, but other than that I spent a good 4 hours working in my office. The great thing about last night was the fact that when I left my office, I let out a sigh of relief because I felt like I got so much accomplished. And today was a day full of more information that is of course helpful and useful, but slightly overwhelming and I will have to go back and look everything over to figure out how I will organize THAT information...but all and all I'm doing..okay.
Tonight I'm dragging, but that's why I took a little bit of time to myself to catch up on things like my blog :-) My parents have been incredibly supportive and helpful these past few days in calling and checking in and keeping my spirits up. I'm ready for this year and all of this work only makes me prepared for whatever people throw my way!
Back to work for me...
Stay fresh! :)
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